A Light in the Hallway

Hey, Carpool Crew! Happy Friday. I hope you have an incredible weekend ahead. I'm Pastor Justin, and before we jump in, let me give a big shout-out to Alivia and Arya from Buckeye, Arizona. So glad you made it to Friday with us. And this episode is about the difference one kid can make in a room without saying anything fancy. You know how one grumpy person can make a whole room feel heavy? It works the other way too. Let's jump in with the one thing I want you to remember for the ride: you carry Jesus' light into the rooms He wants brightened, just by being you. Listen to this from Matthew 5:14. Jesus says, "You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden." He does not say try to become a light someday. He says you are one, right now. When Jesus is in you, you carry His light everywhere you go. Jesus said this to ordinary people, not famous ones. Regular folks who would walk into regular rooms and, without a speech, make them a little brighter. Here is what lands. You do not brighten a hallway by being the loudest or the best. You do it by saying hi to the kid nobody greets, telling the truth when a lie would be easier, scooting over so somebody has a seat. Little lights that others actually feel. If Jesus were sitting next to you right now, He would lean over and say, "You do not have to hide your light to fit in. I put it in you on purpose. Walk into that room and let it shine." It is a normal Friday hallway. Somebody drops their books, and everybody steps around them. You stop and help pick them up. It is small. But for a second, that hallway got brighter, and that is Jesus' light coming through you. Hey, this week, try these two things. First, pick one room, your classroom, the bus, the lunch table, and decide to be the light there, one kind thing, one honest word. Second, notice another kid who is being a light, and tell them. Light spreads when you point it out. Hey, let's go back to that one thing I wanted you to remember for the ride. You carry Jesus' light into the rooms He wants brightened, just by being you. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. And parents, this weekend on Carpooling with Jesus+ we close out the first month strong. Tomorrow, Looking Back on Month One, a chance to thank God for getting through it. And Sunday, Rest Before the Next Stretch, on why rest is a gift and not a reward. For less than a snack run, Carpooling with Jesus+ gets your kids both, plus bonus episodes all week. Before you go, let's answer this question together. What is one room where you could be a little bit of Jesus' light this week? I'll see you tomorrow or next Monday on Carpooling with Jesus.