Flash in the Pan vs. The Pilot Light

Many of us have heard the expression of a flash in the pan. According to the dictionary a flash in the pan is a passing or disappearing with time or transitory. It is a one time event that most likely never to happen again. A pilot light on the other hand, heats up quickly, been around almost a century and can be lit with gas, match or candle. A pilot light is a small gas flame, usually natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas, which is kept alight in order to serve as an ignition source for a more powerful gas burner. I truly believe that the Christian’s source is the Lord and he is the main burner.
While most commercial kitchens still rely on pilot lights for burners, ovens, and grills, newer and younger residential systems typically use an electrical pilot ignition. This is more commonly known as standby on modern remote control fires. It is a safe method of having fire instead of the fun flash in the pan at a restaurant. I thought about my life and decided which light I wanted to be. A pilot light.

It was the late seventies and my first choir concert since joining junior choir at church. In cherub choir I used to try to sing out my friend Samantha because she and I both had strong gifts of singing. But after the cuteness of being in fifth grade going into middle school it was time to grow more serious performances. By that time Samantha had more experiences playing the piano but I had more singing at church solos. After a discussion from my parents I chose to listen to them and remain in the background instead of yelling at the top of my lungs singing. This basically went on to junior high and high school. Samantha got most of the parts in high school and I chose to focus my talents at church. Then I went to college and found myself. I finally had the solos and the musical opportunities. Then off to my teaching career with more musical opportunities, with leading chapel during my Christian School years, time on a Christian television network and even time in a recording studio at one of my teaching gigs five years in a row. Honestly I wonder if I would of got the parts in school if I would be as close to God as I am now. Maybe I would not allow him to help me in other parts of my life. My pain of being in the background especially in junior high and high school would not prepare me for my life as a teacher or help me appreciate what in musical opportunities I have now.

Fast forward to the present and now as I am in music ministry . It is more important for me to be part of the music team as a pilot light instead of being a soloist. My ability does not come from my own talent but from the Lord who was the main source of my power.

This has also carried over to other parts of my life. I enjoy leading. I am a good running coach but this season I have learned to stay in the background with the other coaches. I still use my leadership talents with organization and structure but I usually don’t lead the group. That’s okay and I stand back and observe and learn from them. Last year I worked so hard to be everything to each runner I coached. I risked injury and my own self-esteem with trying to make everyone happy. I probably decreased my own ability at my own marathon because I put some much time and energy into events I could not control like some of my fellow runners not doing their midweek runs or choosing to party instead of getting adequate sleep the night before etc. I learned that being in charge also means allowing others to lead and that effective leadership needs to be shared and that also means taking the heat for others decisions in order to be a team player in the leadership team. I also allowed myself to be human and no matter how hard I try I will not please everyone. The pressure is off and I can enjoy the miles as I run every week.

This summer I also co-taught with another teacher who was an excellent teacher. We got along wonderfully and she was fantastic with the kids. In many ways the children preferred her over me with her mothering and youthfulness. Despite the fact her experience was with mostly older children she adapted beautifully to the younger children. The old me could have been upset because many times I could of taken over but instead I chose to listen to my inner voice and allow others to lead. She was not a flash in the pan but another pilot light. Just how she stayed lit was different than me but it was effective and her classroom and mine grew a lot academically during the summer. There are many ways to a pilot to stay lighted whether it is by electric or gas. Each has its advantages in many different ways.

In Matthew 5:14-16New International Version (NIV) it states.” 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. When it gets down to it you are a witness for Him and not to glorify yourself. A pilot light is the best way to glorify him with your light.