Picture this… you’re tucked under your soft, cozy comforter, right in the middle of the best dream. Everything is calm and quiet. You’re warm, sleepy, and comfortable. And then… BAM!
Your mom bursts in and flips on the harsh overhead lights. The kind that feel way too bright, way too fast. Your eyes squint, your brain feels scrambled, and suddenly you’re wide awake!
But NOT in a good way. That was not the kind of light you needed in that moment, right?! What would have felt better? A gentle nudge and soft bedside lamp to help you ease into your day? Ahhhh yes.
But here’s the thing: Those bright overhead lights in and of themselves aren’t bad. They just (REALLY) didn’t match the moment. And... are you ready for YOUR light bulb moment? (Ha—see what I did there?!) The same thing happens inside of you!
The Lie About “One Kind of Light”
A lot of girls grow up feeling like they’re supposed to be the same every day.
Always energized.
Always happy.
Always ready to go.
Always “on.”
Like you’re supposed to live your whole life like a bright, intense, overhead light. So when you have a day where you feel quieter… slower… or just not as “on”… it can feel like something is wrong. But what if nothing is wrong with you? What if you’re not meant to be just one kind of light?
Connected to the Source
In John 15:5, Jesus says that when we stay connected to Him, we will bear much fruit, but apart from Him, we can do nothing. In other words, He is the source of our light. The power supply. You don’t have to force yourself to shine. When you stay connected to Him, His light shines through you. But here’s something you don’t want to miss: The same God who is your Source is also your Creator.
Which means… He didn’t accidentally design you with changing energy, emotions, and rhythms. He did it on purpose!
A Season for Every Kind of Light
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a season for everything.” And just like God created nature to cycle through seasons, He created YOU to cycle too! Your body actually cycles through different seasons or phases each month, and each one comes with its own kind of energy… its own kind of light. And when you understand that? You can always shine… without burning out.
Your Bright, “Let’s Go” Light
In the first part of your cycle (the follicular phase), you might notice your energy starting to rise. Things can feel a little clearer, a little lighter… like you’re ready to get moving. This is like that bright, overhead light. The kind that helps you wake up, get ready, and get things done. It’s great for starting new things making plans, and feeling motivated. This is your “let’s go” light.
Your Bold, Sparkly Light
Around the middle of your cycle (the ovulation phase), you might feel more social, more confident, and more like being around people. This is your rainbow disco ball light. It’s fun. It’s bright. It draws people in. This is a great time for connection, sharing ideas, laughing with friends, and showing up more boldly. This is your “shine out loud” light.
Your Soft, Gentle Light
In the last part of your cycle (the luteal phase), things might feel a little slower. You might want more space. More quiet. More time to yourself. This is your soft desk lamp light. It’s calm. Cozy. Gentle. It’s perfect for reflecting, noticing what’s going on inside of you, and slowing down. This is your “stay close and recharge” light.
None of These Lights Are Better
Here’s what’s important to understand: A disco ball isn’t better than a desk lamp. A bright overhead light isn’t better than a soft glow. They’re just meant for different moments. But the world tends to celebrate only one kind of light… the loud, high-energy, always-on version. So it’s easy to start believing that’s the only way to be. It’s not. God created you with different kinds of light on purpose. Each one has a purpose. Each one is good.
What if Your Period Hasn’t Started Yet?
Even if you haven’t started your period yet (or if your cycle feels unpredictable) you still have these different kinds of lights inside you! You’ll still have days where you feel more energized, more social, or more quiet and reflective. It just might not feel super consistent or predictable yet. And that’s okay! Your body is practicing and you’re learning how to tune in to the Light.
The Secret to Not Burning Out
Burnout doesn’t usually happen because you’re not trying hard enough. It happens when you try to be the wrong kind of light for the season you’re in (Read that again, sister!).
When you force bright, high-energy output on a day your body is asking for softness… When you ignore the signals that you need rest… When you disconnect from the One who actually gives you your light… That’s when you start to feel drained!
But when you stay connected to Jesus, and you honor the way He designed you, you don’t have to force anything. You get to shine in exactly the way He designed you to.
Shine the Way You Were Designed
You were never meant to be the same every single day. (You feelin’ what I’m dealin’?) You were created with rhythms. With seasons. With different kinds of light. And none of them are mistakes.
So instead of asking, “Why don’t I feel the same today?” Try asking: God, what kind of light did You create in me to shine right now? When you stay connected to Him, you won’t burn out.
You’ll shine—steadily, beautifully, and exactly the way you were created to!