Recently I shared (here’s the post) about a nightly ritual with our 3YO granddaughter and flashlights. When the darkness settles over the house, we head to my bedroom with her flashlight. There we do shadows, hunt for treasure, and read books while snuggling.
This past weekend, we did something new with her flashlight – we took a walk around the neighborhood in the dark.
We were unable to use her typical flashlight as the batteries were bone dead. After introducing her to a larger flashlight, we headed out.
Walking our usual route was fine at first as familiarity helped. She was able to shine her light as we crossed the street and headed down the cul-de-sac. She lifted it up to focus on the trees and the houses where she knew she would find pumpkins and scarecrows.
But then something began to happen. As we continued to walk, the light was dimming. The batteries were draining of their power and it no longer went the distance needed to see the porches.
We pressed on in our walk enjoying the quiet and cool of the night.
And I have been thinking about the walk for a few days.
“The people who walk in darkness
Will see a great light;
Those who live in a dark land,
The light will shine on them.”
(Isaiah 9:2, NASB)
Even in the darkness of the world around us, we can be a people who will not only see the Light, but the Light will shine on us. We won’t stumble around, but walk with confidence in the light He shines onto our path. Those around us will take note of the light.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-17, NASB)
So often we want to see far off into the distance, and the future. We want to know and see what the days ahead will hold. Much the way, the flashlight showed us where to take our next step, we must also trust God each step of the way.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.”
(Psalm 119:105, NASB)
We had enough light to continue our walk safely. We could be seen by cars as well as where we were stepping.
“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.” (John 8:12, NASB)
May our prayer be simple:
“Lord, make us a beacon of light in darkest times.”
In these days of so much division and debate, we need to make our homes a safe place, a place where others are loved. Laura Thomas encourages us to have homes (and lives) which represent the heart of Christ. You can read her post In her post, What Make A House A Home? HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Rostyslav Savchyn on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
Love that song and this story! Someday your granddaughter will read it and be blessed.
It is why I write 🙂 My purpose has always been for my family to one day know what was going on in my head and heart.
Such a beautiful truth about light, Joanne. “We had enough light to continue our walk safely.” When the future looks dark and scary, I need to remember this. I don’t have to see the whole path at once. God always has and always will give me enough light to show me my next step.
I’m beginning to realize how much a little of His Light truly accomplishes in our lives. I have so appreciated your focus on “Light” this month!
Joanne, I enjoyed this lovely lesson about light and darkness. God’s Light will never be overcome by any darkness, as we shine His Light to others we claim that victory over sin, evil and the enemy!
Donna, I am so grateful that the smallest of God’s Light will extinguish the greatest darkness. His Light will never be overcome.
I loved this post for so many reasons! It brought back memories of reading time with one grandma and neighborhood “looking walks” with another. I also just finished writing one post promoting a night hike adventure challenge for a group and am in the process of writing another about what I’m learning about navigating life by faith from hiking in the dark. That said, there was so much great connection–and so much encouraging truth–here. Thank you!
Natalie, I look forward to reading these posts. I think many of us are thinking in terms of darkness and light as we navigate these days in which we are living. So glad we all can encourage one another. Your posts always speak to my heart!
Precious and powerful story, Joanne. I remember that song well and hadn’t heard it in a long while. Nice to revisit it and the message behind it!
The song comes back to me every now and again.
Lisa Burgess has been doing a series on light. Maybe God is trying to tell us something!
Yes, I noticed there is a theme this week. Light is being mentioned often and shows how much we need the Light right now.
What a precious memory you will have from walking with your granddaughter with flashlights! Another fun thing is wearing head lamps to search for frogs at night. 🙂 Yes, the Lord is our light of safety.
Lynn, this city girl did not know about searching for frogs at night. Perhaps this week we will head out into the backyard to search! I cherish my memories with each of our granddaughters.
I loved how your walk with your grand daughter after dark created a message for us about light. We know that in Jesus there is no darkness. His Light can banish the darkness in our lives. Thank you for sharing.
Katherine, I am continually amazed at how God brings a lesson through the daily activities of life.
I really enjoyed this post Joanne being a Grandma of 11 grandchildren, such a lovely illustration of God’s light.
And an encouraging message today!
Bless you,
Jennifer
How precious to have 11 grandchildren! I love when God brings an illustration through one of our granddaughters. It truly delights me! I am glad it encouraged you as well!
What a fun thing to do with your granddaughter! I wonder if we could say bone dead batteries represents us when we’re overextended and not staying charged by our source?
I think we could, Anita. Grateful we have solar batteries – we get charged by the Son 🙂
What a sweet time with your granddaughter. I think the world will get darker–how vital that we shine God’s light.
I have come to think the same thing, Barbara. May we be intent in our Light shining. It is imperative for us all.
Yes, may we be a beacon of light, Joanne. And your teaching your grandchild not to fear and to step outside her comfort zone is priceless.
Lisa, I had to sit and think on your comment. I realized my granddaughter has no fear when we play or walk in the dark. It’s amazing. It is she who is teaching me to not fear and to step out of my comfort zone. Humbling. Thank you for sharing your thought as it spoke to my heart!
Love this entire post with the music and the beautiful story with you granddaughter you used to illustrate a powerful truth!
Wouldn’t it have been amazing if God provided a full, bright moon for you and your little companion? Loved this post and your insights ma’am. Thank you!
Joanne, this is wonderful. So beautifully spoken. Blessings.
~Selah ~
I love the thought of you and your granddaughter touring your neighborhood by flashlight, Joanne. 🙂 I often long for a bright spotlight that shows exactly what’s ahead for me and my loved ones, but what a comfort to remember that God will always give us just what we need for the next step. Hugs, friend.