Leaving the Light On

A famous hotel chain used the advertising slogan “We’ll leave the lights on for you,” meaning that they would be open for business, ready to serve their customers day and night.

That reminds me of one of the descriptions of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31.  Look at verse 18b:  “Her lamp does not go out by night.”  The Amplified Version says this: “Her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust].  I would paraphrase that verse to say that “her light is always on; she’s available 24/7.”

Hmm…I would like to say I’m available 8 to 5; don’t bother me in the evening–I need some “ME” time. God’s calling to women’s ministry is not an 8-to-5 calling.

I also love how this verse talks about “her lamp.”  Does it possibly have a double meaning–physical availability, as well as the spiritual readiness to be a light in another’s darkness?  Matt. 5:16  says “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your God in heaven.”  Let’s shine 24/7!