The Light

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Recently, my husband, our three boys and I went on a day adventure to hike the lava caves. I'm not sure what I had in mind, but the cave exceeded all of my expectations.  First, the ground was extremely unstable.  This could be a problem for someone as clumsy as me on flat grounds.  There were boulders and rock to walk and climb over, some solid, and some very shaky and unstable.  The ceilings constantly changed in height, some points as high as ten feet and some as low as three feet.  And then, the biggest obstacle, the view.  It was absolutely pitch dark!  When I say dark, I mean, when the lights are off, you could not tell when your hand was right in front of you, or what was below you, or above you.  It was dark!  Now, within two minutes of entering the cave, I witnessed a twenty-something young man trip and fall not-so-gracefully.  Mind you, I am the biggest fan of the show, "Funniest Home Videos".  And, this fall was definitely better than most videos that leave me in full, hysterical, belly laugh mode.  Yet, this live fall was no laughing matter, considering a fall was probably in my nearest future, and I am not twenty-something. I did not hold the flashlight, as I knew I would need both hands to catch myself.  I left the flashlight holding to the four sure-footed men.  When the lights were on, I stumbled my way through, twisting, turning, standing and crouching.  When my family would find humor in turning off the lights, I would freeze, knowing that I would fall if I attempted even one step without the light.  And, because I am married to the best husband in the world, most of the time, my husband held my hand to guide me through the rough terrain.  With the lights on, and Afton holding my hand, I could keep a pretty awesome pace.  On my own, in the dark, and relying on my clumsy feet, I was unstable, unsure, and fear kept me from even taking one step.

You see, this is a very awesome comparison to my Father!  We live in a very dark world.  Watching the news this morning, and every morning reminds me of that.  I can stay frozen from fear of the dark world, commenting and reporting on just how bad it is out there, or,  I can share the light the same way that my family shared their light with me in the cave.  Eighteen years ago, I found the light!  I traded in the darkness of my own life, for the light that is found in Christ!  I want to share His light!  I want to light up those dark places of the world!  I want to share my light with my family, friends, neighbors, strangers and enemies!

"Seek me and live!" -Amos 5:4

Father,
Thank you for your light!  Help me to spread your light in the darkness.  Help me to remember that without you, my life is as dark as the deepest cave, but with you I have light and see The Way!  Help me to share your light, so others may see also.  My darkness cannot guide, save, or brighten any path, but your light can!

I love you father!  Thank you for the light!