Click above to listen to Radiant from my first album Walk in the Light. If you enjoy, consider purchasing the song, album download, or CD from iTunes or stantonlanier.com (where sheet music is also available).

What is one of your favorite ways to let your light shine?

If you’re like me, you replay your life like a movie from childhood until now and think about:

What – What gifts and talents do I have that have been a blessing to others?
When – When did I use these to make the most positive difference?
Where – Where was I at the majority of the time?
Why – Why did I let my light shine in these moments?

I love remembering and meeting people whose eyes sparkle with life and extra brilliance. When I notice this in young children I am inspired to nurture my child-like faith, believing anything is possible. When I see this in the elderly, their radiant eyes motivate me with their silent answer, “Yes, seek to live a purposeful, fruitful life, and long to finish well.” Then there are those with dazzling eyes who are any age in between. For me, their shining symbolizes energy and focus on making a positive difference.

Here is the one big idea…

Instead of playing your life movie and filling your thoughts with what, when, where and why, try going all the way down to your heart and soul level. Read and meditate on the ancient Scriptures below about “radiance” and “letting your light shine” and see what this brings up to the top of your thoughts, desires, and dreams.

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure, and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold. They are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins. May they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
— Psalm 19:7-14 (verse 8 in bold is the inspiration behind the Radiant piano melody)

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. — Matthew 5:16

How did this combination of music and words inspire you to let your light shine?