Until recently I've never really cared too much for candles. Not that I didn't like them or anything, I just never owned any and the few that I do have I've never used, until a few weeks ago. It was Earth Hour so my roommate (HNScales) and I decided to buy a bunch of candles to light the apartment when we turned off all the electricity to save energy. Initially we had planned to have a game night type thing with some friends to have an entertaining Earth Hour, however one thing led to another and it just ended up being roomie, boyfriend, and myself. Pretty awesome party right? So we scratched the game night idea, I mean it's not so fun with 3 people, and instead Hillary went in her room and watched TV(?), and Casey and I decided to watch a movie in the candle light. I think it was the first time that I'd actually sat in (almost) complete darkness, minus the candles, and yes the light from the TV. It was amazing though, and since than I've just completely fallen in love with candles, I just wish I had more. Before I had always sort of viewed them as pointless because when lit with a match all I could smell was the fire itself, not the actual candle scent. However I recently invested in a lighter, which has proved to be a very good purchase. Not only do I avoid getting close to fire (it scares me) but I am also still able to smell the yummy scent of the candle without the stinky match/fiery smell. Therefore, I have developed my new love for candles. (So if you ever want to buy me something just for the heck of it, candles would be a good idea :) As long as they're real)
As I've recently used the one candle that I have in my room I've noticed how when it's lit I'm just sort of overcome with a sense of tranquility. Maybe it's the sight of the simple flame in the darkness, or maybe it's the calming smell that it gives off, but either way having a lit candle just seems to make things better.
Considering this, I got to thinking about how recently I've been really anxious and stressed out about a lot of things. There's just so much going on in life right now between school work, worrying about an internship, working, being a photographer, and various other problems that I find myself worrying and stressing constantly. It's amazing how I can let such little things take complete control over my life and my emotions. But than I get to thinking about candles and the calmness/peace that they offer. It's as if sitting by the candle light simply breathing could erase a multitude of problems, temporarily. Why, though, do I view candles as a means of relaxing myself and riding myself of stress, instead of turning to the one that will give me eternal peace?
It can be so hard for me to just give up my life and my problems to God. It's hard to not want to take complete control and do it all on my own, but in the end that eventually fails me, I can do nothing without God by my side every step of the way. It's only Monday of this week and yet it's already started off as a hard and stressful week, and as I was thinking about everything while writing this I decided to google "calming bible verses." (yeah goofy but hey it works) Here's my two favorites:
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army beseige me, my heart shall not fear; though war break out against me, even then, I will still be confident." -Psalm 27: 1, 3
"Trust in the Lord … Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will do this. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him." -Psalm 37:3-5, 7a
These really got me thinking more about the power of the Lord. Although I've been quick to forget the importance of God in my life it's times like these that He really shows himself to me. No matter what hard things might come my way in this last month of school, I will not be alone. Putting complete trust in the Lord, even in the hardest of times, will ultimately lead to the great life that he intended for me. :) So next time you're sitting in the candle light just think about the amazing love God has for you and the great peace that comes with that love, and know that you are not alone.
Adios,
Bhines
