“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast” Ephesians 2:8-9.

A candle can’t light itself. It has no power to do that. Someone else lights the candle. Which is why God is the one who lights my candle. The flame is the Holy Spirit inside me, living and active in my life, made possible through the Cross. The gift of the Cross seems like utter nonsense, and yet this simple gift is what God uses to ignite the fire of the Holy Spirit inside me.

After God lights my candle, we become partners in this venture called life. Why? Because God wants it that way. God could do his will with or without me, however, God has chosen to use me as the gateway for his redemptive message for others. He lights other people’s candles with my flame. Really, little ole me? This sounds absolutely crazy! What do you think?

The Holy Spirit is living and active in my life and therefore I have a responsibility to keep the flame burning. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 tells us “do not quench the spirit.” This is hard to do when I feel like I’ve got candles burning at both ends! There are so many activities, and things to keep me busy.

If I plan carefully, five to ten minutes each day is enough to keep the Holy Spirit flame burning even as I burn other candles at both ends. I add up minutes spent at stop lights, circling around the parking lot looking for that last parking spot or time spent in line at the check-out. There are numerous opportunities to take a moment, while I’m waiting, to take a few deep breaths, to breathe in love, joy and peace and to breathe out stress, worry and anxiety. What else is there to do when I’m stuck in line? Fret? Worry? Instead, I try to use the time wisely.

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” Ephesians 2:10.

What activities quench the Spirit in your life?

Where can you find minutes, while waiting, to care for the Holy Spirit in your life?