Yesterday at our (Baptist) church I was reminded… How many Baptists does it take to change a lightbulb? At least 15. One to change the lightbulb, and three committees to approve the change and decide who brings the cake.
For Balance…How many Anglicans does it take to change a lightbulb? None. They always use candles.
With the current political news… How many politicians does it take to change a light bulb? We don’t know. They’re still arguing about it.
Yesterday I learnt that King Charles wants to replace seventy-one gas powered lanterns, in Buckingham Palace courtyard, with LED bulbs.
Before that can happen there must be consultation with Historic England… Metropolitan Police… Gardens Trust… Royal Parks… National Amenities… before submitting a planning application to Westminster City Council
How many officials does it take to change a royal lightbulb? Too many… but six organisations.
Andy preached at church yesterday. He talked about feeling a fraud – speaking about a Christian faith and life that he so often fails to live out.
I’ve seen this self-doubt, feeling like a fake or a phony, in work, relationships, faith, parenting… giving the appearance of self-confident achievement yet feeling like a hypocritical failure. Psychiatrists call it ‘Imposter Syndrome’.
I’ve been there – as headteacher, church leader, parent, writer – feeling that my words aren’t always lived out…
It’s easy to tell others that they need to change their lightbulb, without examining mine.
Andy talked about Jesus’ restoration of a man’s hand. Andy knows about restoration. He’s a car mechanic. He restores car engines; he restores old cars to their former glory. Together with his wife, Liz, he’s currently restoring an old house.
Changing a lightbulb is about restoring a light… It did shine; it stopped shining; it can shine again…
Our ‘Singing for Health’ group enjoys singing the old song ‘This little light of mine…’ If my little light’s going to shine, I must sometimes check it. If my lightbulb needs changing it only takes one person – Me.
malcolmsmusings.org 
When Julie, my wife, was social worker I used to say
“How many social workers would it take to change a light bulb?”
and then I’d say
“They wouldn’t be able to but they’d probably form a support group to deal with the darkness”
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At least the non-functioning light bulb would feel better then, Alan.
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How many teachers does it take to change a light bulb? None. The janitor does it. I agree with your message-don’t let your lights grow dim! 🙂
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We certainly had a great caretaker (English for janitor 🙂) who did lots of good things. Yes . We must take responsibility for letting our light shine.
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Enjoyed the Springsteen version of the song!
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Me too, Dana. Usually you hear children singing it. Springsteen gives it more seriousness, makes it more of a commitment to shine my light.
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He certainly puts his unique energy to it!
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“It’s easy to tell others that they need to change their lightbulb, without examining mine.”
Your second thought is just as powerful: only one person is needed to change the light bulb in my life—me. The challenge is seeing clearly when “this little light of mine” needs some more shine. Compelling, as always, Malcolm. Thank you, brother!
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I’m aware that we need God’s help, David, both for awareness of the brightness of our light, and in my light exchangement when required.
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