Have you ever known a person whose light shined so bright without ever saying a word? Who had such contagious joy despite the circumstances that surround you? We have had the privilege of knowing such person. His name is Sebastian… I want to take a moment to tell you about him. I have shared about him before in a previous blog. https://therapyforperu.weebly.com/new-blog/archives/08-2016.
If you read my previous blog from 2016 you will know that we met Sebas because I (Lisa) was doing therapy in the orphanage where he lived. Sebas has always had a light and joy about him. He always did his best to give his biggest smile and the best giggle. Over the years where we served there, we grew to learn that Sebas wasn’t just loved by us, but by SO many others who came to the orphanage.
A few days ago, we got word that Sebastian went to be with Jesus. It has been a bittersweet piece of news to receive. Mostly because he has left so many here without the presence of his overwhelming joy.
As I reflected on his life, and imagined him now praising God with abundant joy, with a fully healed body, a story in the bible came to my attention. Its the story of the man born blind. Found in John 9:1-12.
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
The man was born blind so that the works of God might be displayed in him. Wow….. When I read that over and over…I realized this is one of the many reasons Sebas was born. His life while simple, through his incredible and great joy, he had the ability to show the works of God in his life to SO many people BECAUSE he lived in the orphanage. He shined Jesus.
Questions that have come to mind for me right now….
Do you shine Jesus? Can you shine Jesus despite your circumstances? Will you be a light to others that will open the door for others to know Jesus personally? It is my utmost prayer that I can and am that for others. And on days when it is hard to shine, I can remember Sebastian and honor his life by choosing to shine. My prayer for all of you, is that you too can choose to shine Jesus in every circumstance.