Tag Archives: light

Lighthouses

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Last month, Mike and I traveled to Maine. It was a whirlwind adventure sampling the seafood and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. I was particularly drawn to lighthouses.

On sunny days, lighthouses are an interesting architectural study, but on dark nights or during storms, the architecture becomes irrelevant. The light shines forth warning ships of the rocky coast in order to allow them to continue on course to eventually bring them safely into the harbor.  

Although each was different in size and style, the purpose was the same – to shine light in the darkness. Additionally, during clear visibility, lighthouses serve as a reference point to enable sailors to adjust or confirm their route.

I think of what Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

My favorite lighthouse was the Rockland Breakwater light located at the end of a ¾ mile pathway. We walked the granite breakwater constructed over a period of 20 years, comprised of over 750,000 tons of rock.

I imagined being a keeper of this light. It would be no easy task merely walking out to the light not to mention the challenge keeping the way lit for distant ships.  This person would have experienced frequent isolation yet remained dependable and committed, willing to endure the hardship of freezing cold and intense storms. A continual supply of oil was needed, so the light would shine brightly.

Today, instead of being maintained by oil, lights are primarily powered by solar or electrical power; however, I still enjoy the parallels for believers today. We are enabled to remain faithful and persevere as the Holy Spirit provides the oil in our lives. It is not by our own might or power, but by the Spirit.  We can be a light to others only because His light is shining through us.

John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness but have the light of life.”

His light shines through us so that others who have been thrown off course by storms or lost at sea may be kept from being dashed upon the rocks. Our light proclaims that by trusting in Jesus, we will be safely guided into the eternal harbor we call heaven.

John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

Remembering….

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As Josh and I walked around the neighborhood today, I was excited to notice signs of spring. It has seemed like a long winter. Physically as well as spiritually, I have been longing for more warmth and light.

Perhaps you have heard the idea expressed, “When you are in midst of darkness, don’t forget what you knew to be true in the light.”

My son is training to become a pilot. On one of his flights, after he took off, a shield came into place completely obscuring his external view. He flew without seeing anything outside of the cockpit by recalling what he had learned and by relying on the plane’s instruments. No matter how disorienting it was to fly without visibility, he could not make decisions based on feelings. (The second pilot, his instructor, had full visibility and could assume control if a problem arose.)

When things in my life are difficult, I am tempted to make decisions or judge my circumstances based on feelings. Unfortunately, when it is the darkest, it is hardest to navigate my way. Lest I become disoriented and veer off course, I began a list to maintain my bearings for when the shadows of dusk loom and dawn comes slowly.

God will never leave me or forsake me.

God hears my cries, and He answers prayers.

I am loved by God.

God has a purpose for my life, and He will fulfill it. The enemy cannot thwart God’s plans.

The grand tapestry God is weaving is far grander and more complex than I can comprehend.

My Redeemer lives, and one day I will behold Him face to face.

My eternity is with God forever.

It’s easy to forget truth when we cannot perceive how God is working. Consider making your own list of truths to mark the way.  As you navigate through the darkness, remind yourself what you knew to be true when the light of Jesus was clearly lighting your path.

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot extinguish it. John 1:5