The Lesson of Lighthouses

After reading my post from Monday, October 31, you’re probably not surprised to find that I want to make a spiritual application.

For 65+ years of my life, I didn’t think much about lighthouses.  But, just in this past year, I have seen some lighthouses in both St. Simons Island, Georgia and in Maine that have stirred a new fascination on the subject.  Some facts from a little research:

What is a lighthouse? A tower with a bright light at the top.

Where is a lighthouse built? At an important or dangerous place in terms of travel over water.

How is a lighthouse designed?  It is designed to withstand local environmental conditions, and each one is given different colors and patterns to distinguish them from each other.

Before automation, what was the role of the lighthouse keeper? To make sure that the light did not go out during the nighttime, during fog or during storms and to be available to help rescue sailors in case of a shipwreck.

What are the purposes of a lighthouse?

1. To emit light using a system of lamps and lenses.
2. To project light at night and to serve as a navigational marker by day.
3. To help identify a ship’s location, to warn of potential hazards, and to notify the ship’s captain that land is near.

It makes perfect sense to me that a lighthouse is a VERY BIG DEAL for someone who is navigating a large ship, a small boat, or any size vessel on the water.

Head Harbor Lightstation, Campobello, New Brunswick.

What does that have to do with me? Naturally, I am reminded of all the references to “light” in the Bible.  Jesus Himself was the ultimate lighthouse.

John 8:12 “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.'”

And, the Bible itself serves as a lighthouse.

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

But, then Jesus says that I am supposed to be a light, along with all of my Christian brothers and sisters.

Matthew 5:14-16  “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

When I think of Jesus’ words today and I think about the function of a lighthouse, I’m convicted. Oh, MOST of the time I feel that I’m being a light, but also MOST of the time, I definitely don’t shine brightly enough.  I wonder if my light would continue to shine throughout a very dark night or during the time of a terrible storm (thinking figuratively, of course). For today, I’m reminded very clearly that a light or a lighthouse is crucial in sounding the warning about possible dangers ahead. To me, that translates into sharing my faith in more deliberate ways. A lighthouse is not offensive. A lighthouse is a welcome sight.  It is helpful and essential. It is placed in the perfect spot.

Anything you’d like to add?