There we were. Stuck on an island. Flashlights dimly shining on forbidden flames leaping from an open pit. We were breaking the law and didn't care. Okay, maybe some background is in order.

Once upon a time I took 5 people backpacking on an island---all inexperienced with the ways of the wilderness. One was terrified of snakes, another of spiders. One couple brought luggage, a second their cooler. It was embarrassing.

After I outfitted everyone with correct gear, we headed off to our campsite nestled in the shadows of ancient live oaks. They complained---"There's no toilet?"---but for the most part were in awe of the beautiful forest, sand dunes, and pristine beach. Fast forward.

The next night, after hiking and building considerable appetites, we set about cooking our meal for the evening. Sadly, our guaranteed-for-life stoves failed. All of them. Hungry eyes stared at me. "How will we cook our food?" "You brought us out here to die!" "Oh, let's just build a fire."

Open fires were banned on the island. But with panic setting in---these were office workers---I decided to build a fire. We dug a pit, filled it with sticks and dead limbs of which there were plenty, and lit it.

One brave soul ventured into the darkness for more fuel. The rest aimed their flashlights at the fire. Don't ask why. I have no idea. That wasn't a concern. The real concern was a surprise visit by the ranger. Still, if we were arrested and thrown in jail, I figured at least we would be fed.

Anxiety soon spread among the others. They peered into the darkness and listened for approaching footsteps. Suddenly a branch broke. Boots thumped on the ground, growing louder with each second.

Flashlights turned off in unison. Again, no idea why. The fire was, after all, still burning brightly. No one would have missed seeing it or our glowing faces. Thankfully the boots belonged to the guy returning with more wood. We breathed a sigh of relief. And in the next hour, we cooked, we ate, we extinguished the illegal blaze, then we laughed at the absurdity of it all.

For some reason I remembered this the other day as I considered what it means to be thankful. No, it had nothing to do with not getting caught. It was about that fire. When fear surprised us, our own lights disappeared. Yet the light of that fire could not be hidden.

Jesus said we are like a fire in the world. No one builds a fire and then hides it. The fire burns brightly and everyone can see it. Let your fire shine brilliantly in front of others, so they may see and understand the good that you do and praise your Father in heaven. (see Matthew 5:14-16)

The fire burning within us is of the Holy Spirit. But what is this "good" that we do? Loving God? Yes, that's part of it. Loving and encouraging each another? Yes, another part. But wrapped up in everything we do, there's something else...something important.

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

Giving thanks brings forth a light...not hidden, but shared...not spoken in secret, but shouted with joy. For this isn't about us. In this light others will see the love God has shown in our lives and praise Him for the love He will show in their own. His love is the light we will shine.