I attended a men’s retreat years ago in the forest of
Northwest Montana. There were no lights
on the compound or in the dormitory.
During the night the need to visit the men’s room became insistent. I
couldn’t go back to sleep unless I addressed that need. But I had a problem, how to get there without
bumping into the other bunks arranged barracks style between me and my
destination. I was afraid I would fall
onto somebody in the night and they would jump up and karate chop me out of
sheer defensive reflex.
I sat on my bunk and tried to will myself to see. I blinked my eyes, but could not tell the
difference between open eyes and closed eyes.
What to do, what to do. Then I
remembered that my watch had a button that illuminated the face. I pushed the button and I could see! This was
the dimmest of lights, yet it made all the difference for me. I made my pit stop
and returned to my bunk, pillow and blanket. The next day, when I related that
story, others said they did the same thing.
In a dark world, even a little light is noticeable and
helpful. It helps us find our way – and
benefits others, too. Jesus is a bright light, impossible to ignore. If I follow Him I will not walk in darkness
and sin. I will make it without hurting
others or myself.
“Then spake Jesus again
unto them, saying, 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.
© copyright Kevin T Boekhoff
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