The Lighthouse
Something woke me from a deep sleep. What
had disturbed my much needed rest? I lay in bed quietly hoping I'd be able to
go back to sleep. There it was again, that noise! It was the same noise that
had been disrupting my sleep night after night since we had moved to the coast
of Maine - the foghorn! Would I ever adjust to the mournful sound of the
foghorn? Frustrated and unable to sleep, I slipped out of bed and made my way
downstairs.
Looking through the window, I saw the reason for the foghorn's constant
warning. An eerie fog was slowly rolling in from the harbor, covering the
blackness of the night. I shivered as I stood there looking out the window,
searching through the fog.
It wasn't until we moved to the coast of Maine that I realized the importance of
the lighthouse. The lighthouse was a vital part of coastal life. It guided
ships safely into the harbor through the fog and darkness. Through violent
storms it served as a beacon, warning ships of the dangerous rocks along the
coastline. As we focus on the importance of lighthouses to sailors, we seldom
think of the significance of the lighthouse to those waiting at home.
The women who waited for the ships to return knew only too well of the dangers
at sea. The brightly shining beacon from the lighthouse provided protection and
guidance for their loved ones. Day after day, they would wait and watch to see
if their men would return home safely. When night came, they would look out
across the harbor to make sure the light from the lighthouse was shining
brightly.
Meanwhile, sailors would search the dark night for the light that would lead
them safely home. The sight of a ship sailing into the harbor brought joy and
excitement to waiting friends and loved ones.
A lighthouse has no value if its light doesn't shine, In days gone by, a
lighthouse needed a keeper of the light. The lighthouse keeper lived a life of
dedication and isolation. No matter how he felt, mirrors and windows needed to
be cleaned and a sufficient supply of wicks and fuel needed to be purchased.
Can you imagine if a lighthouse keeper decided the light might offend someone
and only lit the light occasionally? Would you want a lighthouse keeper that
procrastinated? He had to remain true to his job day in and day out.
A lighthouse keeper had many time-consuming responsibilities. There would be
days, weeks and months of hard work when no one appreciated his tasks. But when
the storms came, people would look for the light to see if the lighthouse keeper
was faithfully doing his job.
The lighthouse keeper's faithfulness made all the difference. Today, in this
world of darkness, we need faithful keepers of the light. The Bible tells us
that Jesus said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not
walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). Jesus is the
light that shines in and through us. "Ye are the light of the world. A city
that is set on an hill cannot be hid, Neither do men light a candle, and put it
tinder a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in
the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).
Just as the lighthouse keeper dedicated his
life to keep the light shining, so must we dedicate our lives to the Light of
the World. We have the privilege of being keepers of the light, all for the
glory of God.
Mabel R. Flatt
