When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “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 (NIV)
Clouds hung low over the horizon. Waves emerged from the haze and rolled to the shore. A sprinkling of cars drove over the packed sand and parked above the water’s edge.
Below the balcony, Smyrna Dunes Park stretched from the grass of the condo to the end of the peninsula at the inlet. Boardwalks traversed through the dense forests and to the beach which allowed visitors to experience nature without damaging it.
In the distance, a rocky jetty jutted into the ocean. The end disappeared into the mist.
Across the inlet, the historic New Smyrna lighthouse stood as a sentinel. Built in 1835, the structure saved sailors from hitting the rocks because of its brilliant light. The gigantic light blinks in the darkness as a tribute to bygone days since modern equipment now provides safety to passing ships.
Clouds glowed as the sun rose above the horizon. A break in the curtain of gray, revealed a slice of the golden sphere. Its beams shimmered over the billows. Only a hint of sunrise painted the sky.
Clusters of miniature people walked along the almost deserted beach. Surfers waited in the rolling waves to catch the best one. Their dark heads looked like birds huddled on the ocean. From the eighth-floor balcony, everything appeared tiny.
From my perspective, I could see wee people moving about through the park, on the beach and in the water. But I couldn’t hear their conversations, see their faces or know their thoughts.
My attention shifted from the people to the two bright lights. The lighthouse to my left and the sun to my right. For years, the lighthouse served as a beacon and safeguard for sailors. Now it is a focal point for the area and reminder of its past glory.
The sun rises every day, never goes out and offers continuous light and warmth even when obscured by clouds.
God’s faithfulness endures like the sun He created. He looks down on the world from the heights. Instead of seeing only tiny figures with no details, he peers into our hearts, knows our pain and our joys.
The light of Jesus shines so we can reflect it to the world. His light isn’t obsolete light the lighthouse. Nor is it hidden behind the clouds like the sun. God’s son lives in us when we accept him and then we can shine brightly with his love in a dark world.
Loving Father, when we feel alone and discouraged, we can know you are faithful to love and protect us. Show us how we can shine your light as a beacon for those around us.
Amen
