Quiet Time Series: When One Light Goes Out

“I The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” – Psalm 23:1

I woke up one Sunday morning at 5:03 AM in a mild panic, convinced it was Monday. My first thought wasn’t spiritual—it was logistical: Wait… did I even go to church? I fumbled around mentally trying to remember where Saturday went, only to realize it was still Sunday. Sweet relief. I still had time.

I dozed off again, woke up late, took the world’s fastest shower, and bolted out the door to help set up at church. And that’s where everything—the sermon, the conversations, Mikrokosmos by BTS blast in the car—started aligning like constellations. Today wasn’t just another Sunday. It was a reminder that every role matters, every light matters, and even when we feel like background extras, God still sees us as central to His story.

The LED Light Metaphor and the Missing Guy at Church

While driving to church, I had Mikrokosmos playing on full volume. There’s a lyric that always stops me mid-thought:

“One history, one person. One person, one star. It shines like seven billion lights.”

A revelation hit me: that’s church. That’s life. That’s us. I thought about the LED lights—the stage kind that are precisely aligned and individually controlled. When one bulb goes out, you notice. The symmetry is off. The flow shifts. Something feels… dimmer.

This morning, someone on our tech team didn’t show up. Nothing catastrophic, but we felt it. We all had to adapt. Cover for each other. And in that scramble, even one absence changes the dynamics. It reminded me: we’re not extras in God’s plan. We’re essential. Each of us. Each light.

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14

Psalm 23 and the Power of Being Counted

Today’s sermon was on Psalm 23. For once, I wasn’t juggling tech settings or fixing a crooked camera—I actually got to listen. What stood out wasn’t just the beauty of the psalm, but the posture it calls for.

David says, “The Lord is my shepherd,” which makes us what?

Sheep.

Not glamorous. Not heroic. Not influential. Just… sheep. Dependent. Led. Seen.

And yet, there’s power in that surrender. There’s peace in not having to prove your worth.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.” – Psalm 23:1

Our minister reminded us that this isn’t a promise of excess—it’s a declaration of trust. The “green pastures” David talks about weren’t lush meadows. They were dry, rocky hills with just enough grass to get through that day. And still, he says: I lack nothing.

Sometimes light isn’t dazzling. It’s steady. It’s enough. And that’s still holy.

Guess My Age

After service, I caught up with a friend who had just celebrated her 34th birthday. We talked about how differently you see life in your 30s compared to your 20s—less striving, more rootedness.

Then I asked her, “How old do you think I am?”

She tilted her head and said, “Hmm… because of your maturity, maybe 37?”

I smiled and said, “I’m in my late 40s.”

She nearly fell off her chair.

And honestly? I get it. Sometimes I forget too—until my body reminds me. But lately, I’ve started viewing aging not as a countdown but as a calling. I’m closer to eternity than to my high school graduation, and that just means I don’t want to waste time dimming my light to fit into places God never called me to.

“You will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” – Philippians 2:15–16

Cheese Snacks and Free Fried Chicken

One of the women at church brought me these little cheese snacks from Japan—tiny, thoughtful, and deeply appreciated. Afterward, a friend treated me to Honey Kettle using a Groupon, which means I got free lunch, and it tasted like grace with a side of honey drizzle.

These aren’t glamorous moments. They’re mundane miracles. Reminders that God shows up in the smallest things. That encouragement isn’t extra—it’s essential.

“There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” – C.S. Lewis

I want to start giving that kind of kindness more often—especially to my tech team and small group. Little gifts. Encouraging notes. Scripture cards. Like what ARMYs do during BTS concerts. No one asks for it. But everyone remembers it.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s how we love like Jesus.

🌱 Soul Insights

1. Presence Is Power

Showing up shifts atmospheres. Even if you’re not leading. Even if you’re just sitting in the back row. Your presence still ministers.

2. Your Light Still Matters

Even if no one applauds. Even if your role feels small. God designed this world to need your light—not someone else’s.

3. God’s Provision Is Often Subtle

You may not have overflowing pastures, but you might have just enough cheese snacks and grace to get through today. That’s still His hand.

4. Encouragement Is a Ministry

Don’t wait for big moments. The Spirit moves in side comments, shared snacks, and simple, sincere “I see you”s.

5. Rest Is an Act of Trust

“He makes me lie down in green pastures…” means God gives you permission to stop. To breathe. To not carry everything. Obedience sometimes looks like rest.

💬 Final Thoughts: Don’t Dim

You may not be center stage. You may feel like a blinking light in a sea of brighter ones. But let me tell you what I needed someone to tell me:

Your light is still needed.

The world shifts when you go missing. The LED grid flickers. The rhythm stumbles. Not because you’re everything—but because you’re part of everything.

“Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life…” – Psalm 23:6

So shine. Not louder. Not brighter. Just faithfully. As you are. As God made you.

Because the Shepherd knows your name.

And your light?

It still matters.

✏️ Reflection Question:

Where have you underestimated your light this week—and what would it look like to let it shine again, even gently?

Soul Path Insights