BETTY JANE HEWITT Feeling burned out? Let light shine anyway

It was time for our church's annual meeting, and once again I found myself as chairwoman of the nominating committee.
We have a predominantly older congregation. Many of the members repeat the old clich & eacute;: "Sorry, I've been there and done that."
Younger parishioners in our complex world of single-parent homes, working parents and busy schedules have little or no time to become involved in church boards and programs.
So I was very reluctant to start telephoning and coercing people after worship service with a tearful plea: "Would you be willing to serve on such-and-such a committee for next year?"
Time was hastening on, and I had only two weeks to poll the committee before a meeting in front of the congregation, where we were to have a full slate of officers. The first person I telephoned was my good friend Mable.
"I've served my time," she answered when I asked her if she would consider staying on our church mission board for another year.
Devotional message
After talking to Mable, I turned to my morning devotions and read in Matthew 5:14-15, "You are the light of the world. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." (NIV)
I glanced at a pitiful-looking candle in the flower arrangement on the dining-room table. I was ready to throw it in the trash.
The candle was about used up, its wick shriveled and drowning in melted wax. I smiled at the comparison. If the Lord wanted this veteran's candle to shine, I'd need more than a new wick.
A ringing of the telephone broke through my thoughts. It was Mable. "Well, I guess could try one more time," she said, "but my light will probably fizzle and go out."
"Thank you, Lord," I murmured. There was hope.
Keeping up commitment
Church work is time-consuming. I often grow weary of church service. It is a commitment, a stewardship of time and talent that I don't always want to give.
The nominating committee had expected there would be some refusals, but the results were impressive. We filled most of the empty spots.
Even though I'd dreaded it, my nominating-committee experience turned out to be rewarding, and an answer to prayer.
Last night before I went to bed, I reread Matthew 5:14-15. I thought about "you are the light of the world." I realized Jesus only said the light is to shine. He didn't say anything about the condition of it.
Isn't it amazing what the Lord can do with an old burned-down candle?
XBetty Jane Hewitt resides in Newton Falls.