My July birthday reminds me that I have been given another year of God’s grace and blessings. At age 83, my father and brother were already deep into their dementia. Thankfully, I have been spared — at least for now. During this “bonus time,” I pray each day for the Holy Spirit to help me make the most of every opportunity to share Christ’s light, love, and saving grace. I don’t have as many opportunities as I used to. But I can email, phone, text, or write a personal note to those who need to receive God’s grace and reassurance.

These days surely are evil, just as they were in Paul’s day. But the light of Christ is still shining brightly — everywhere His faithful people are. May His light shine brightly in you and through you, in every year of grace that God gives you.