March 6, 2023

How’s Your Corner?

Matthew 5:14-16 reads:“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.”

As I was working on the sermon for Feb. 5th, I got an ear-worm. You know, that song or piece of a song that seems stuck in your head? I’d try to sing it out, but it would come right back, I tried to sing something else to replace it, but before I knew it, I’d be humming and singing it again! So, I’m going to share it with you!
the chorus goes:

“Brighten the corner where you are!
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;
Brighten the corner where you are!”

This song was written by Ina Ogdon. Ina was a talented speaker who was invited to go on the Chautauqua Circuit and speak for Christ. She was thrilled by this invitation and so excited to go. However, when it was time for her to leave, her father was seriously injured in an automobile accident and she felt it necessary to care for him instead of going on the speaking circuit. In her crushing disappointment, she found herself full of rage and resentment toward God, whom she blamed for her circumstances. Gradually, she decided she would be happy in her current circumstances and try to brighten the corner where she was. In 1913, she penned this poem reflecting her attitude.

What a good thought for us! We choose our attitude and choose how to shape our corner of the world. We can reflect an Eeyore attitude of gloom in our corner, or we can reflect the light of Christ and brighten our corner. How’s your corner?

Maybe I should keep this ear-worm, in case you want to join me, here are the verses:

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar,
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Here for all your talent you may surely find a need,
Here reflect the Bright and Morning Star;
Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Pastor Pam Wells – CGUMC