Flashlights
Finding Your Way in the Dark
Flashlights aren’t important, unless, of course you find yourself in the dark. In this issue I explore “flashlights” as a metaphor and their essential place in the dark times of life. Thanks for pondering with me!
Note about the image: This is REO Speedwagon in concert about a dozen years ago. I chose this picture because it’s more interesting than a picture of a flashlight.
My Mysterious Mind
I don’t think about flashlights very often, unless I think the electricity might go out or I am trying to find my way in the woods at night. Oh, and that even more rare occasion when I am heading into a cave and need to provide my own source of light. In the latter case, I would bring an extra flashlight and plenty of batteries. Flashlights aren’t important when there’s plenty of light; they only become essential in the dark.
I have been thinking about light recently, including lighthouses and the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel.” Sources of light are literally important when ships are near a dangerous coastline or someone is finding their way out of a dark cave or tunnel. But, as a metaphor, light during dark times of life is even more important. Thus, I am pondering what brings darkness into our lives, and, more vital, where are possible sources of light?
Life, like cycles of day and night, has times of sunlight and times of darkness. Sometimes life is easy and joy is spontaneous. At other times, life is hard and joy is elusive. On a national and global scale, there are dark sectors in place now, with wars in the Middle East and the Ukraine and nasty campaign ads soon on their way. On a personal level, each of us have our own “dark” seasons, where grief, trauma, or uncertainty flood our lives.
Life, like flashlights in the dark, also offers sources of “light” to guide us during dark times. Flashlights for our lives might be people, places, or other resources to keep us from stumbling when darkness descends. I will explore possible “flashlights” for finding your way in the dark in just a bit, within the Living in Mystery section.
Message of Mystery Acres
Some nights in the woods are extremely dark. Even the short walk from a lawn chair to the motor-home, a mere fifty yards away, can be treacherous without a flashlight. My husband usually has his headlamp; I often try to stumble, independently, over what I think is sufficiently familiar terrain. We have a solar-powered light that sits on the ground near the corner of the motor-home. If there’s been enough sunlight during the day I can use its small beacon to find my way most nights.
My husband, the pyro-technician, is very dedicated to having a light source with him before it gets dark. Even if I have decided to live dangerously and hope there’s enough light to find my way in the dark, I can count on him to always have a headlamp or his cell phone nearby. When we take the dogs for a walk before bedtime, he has a light source for the two of us. I just try to walk close enough to him so that I don’t trip over any rocks or stumble in any holes. Our gravel road isn’t the most smooth or very level in places.
Sometimes I think life is like me in the woods in the dark, neglecting to bring a light source with me. Despite the predictability of night always following the brightness of day, my lackadaisical approach is to not prepare adequately for it. Then, on those super-dark nights, I am struggling to find my way, even through the simplest of tasks, and, thanks to my husband, never get myself in trouble. I have become dependent on him; and, thankfully, he is quite dependable. I can relax as darkness falls because I know he will always have a light source with him.
The message of Mystery Acres is to remember that darkness always comes, and sometimes that darkness is too dark to find one’s way without a light source. Mystery Acres reminds us to either be prepared with our own light sources or to stick close to someone who always provides light for us in the darkness. The voice of the forest says to remember you need a flashlight so you can find your way in the dark, which inevitably will come.
Ancient Mystery’s Voice
“Follow Me and never walk in darkness.” (See John 8:12)
In the eighth chapter of the book written by John, a disciple of Jesus, John recorded what he recalled Jesus said about light and darkness. In the twelfth verse, John captured these words of Jesus: “I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” When I read this recently I pictured myself and my husband on a dark night in the woods, with me walking closely to him so I could find my way in the dark. The glow of his light illuminates the path for me, keeping me from tripping on a rock or twisting an ankle from stepping into a hole.
Jesus advises something similar, referring to Himself as the light source. Ah, so I can think of Jesus as a flashlight or lantern in the dark. That conjures up a weird image, so I am going to go back to thinking of Him being the one who is holding the flashlight or lantern for me. Still, I have a more practical concern of how to translate this metaphorical image into an actionable strategy in my daily life.
Which brings me to two additional words of ancient text, one from the book of Psalms, written centuries before the words of Jesus scribed by John; the other from the beginning of the book of John; the latter serves as a key to connect the verses. In the 119th chapter of Psalms, which is a book of poems or songs, the 105th verse is: “Your Word is lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” Wow! That really sounds like a flashlight for a dark night in the woods! When John started his book about Jesus, he said: “In the beginning was the Word.” John described Jesus as the Word. Putting this all together provides the link, which makes the metaphor come into action for daily life.
Jesus is the Light and the Word. The Word is the Light. Walking close to the Light means to walk close to the Word. I cannot literally walk close to Jesus while He holds (or is) the flashlight in the woods, but I can walk close to His words, preserved in books such as John. Ancient Mystery’s Voice calls from the books where the words of Jesus are written. Grabbing those words is like grabbing a flashlight, always a good idea, but especially helpful in the dark.
Living in Mystery
Just as darkness regularly blankets the forest, so, too, darkness regularly covers our lives. Living in the mystery of “flashlights” to prepare for finding your way in the dark means identifying places and sources of light. When the lights go out, where can light be found?
Light can be found in special places and people in our lives. Quality friendships shine hope into our dark days. Communities of uplifting people combine their lights to warm and encourage their members when darkness comes to any of them. For me, being a part of a church family has helped me through tough times. Time in the woods brightens my spirit, even at night. Seeing my grandsons “dance” with glee upon my arrival shines brilliantly into the dark crevices of my being. Where are your places of light? Who are your personal flashlights?
Other sources of light are available without going somewhere or being with someone. Music is one of the most powerful flashlights for the dark days. For one friend of mine, filling her vehicle with the pounding of AC/DC does the trick. For another, beautiful orchestral arrangements reignite her heart. What music lights up your day?
Words are also sources of light, especially words of ancient wisdom found in books like John. Many people find it helpful to start each day with an inspirational reading to chase away any dark cobwebs threatening to form at the new edges of the day. I have five sets of daily readings I review while I eat my breakfast. What words do you have handy to provide light?
As an old mom to young parents, I encourage you to think about flashlights in two ways. First, what sources of “light” do you keep handy for the dark times in parenting? Who are your sources of wise counsel when you are struggling to find your way as a parent? Second, how are you preparing your children for the inevitable dark times ahead of them? Who are their sources of wise counsel, besides you, to help them find their way into and through adulthood? Darkness will come; are you and your children ready?
Some people and places steal your light, bringing in darkness. If you must travel with such people or into such places, you especially need to have your “flashlights” ready. If, on the other hand, you can reduce your time “in the darkness,” that might be wiser. For me, I stay off of social media most days because there’s always the risk of some “dark” post coming through my news-feed. I watch very little news for the same reason. I know there’s trouble in the world; I don’t care to be reminded of it daily. I subscribed to The Equipped newsletter for an informative and hope-oriented presentation of national and global events.
Stumbling around in the dark forest without a flashlight is physically dangerous; stumbling around in this dark world without a “flashlight” is emotionally, mentally, and spiritually dangerous.
Each of us can serve as flashlights or as bringers of darkness. I pray my words are a source of light for you, helping you be flashlights to others.
Connecting with Mystery
Dear Lord of All Mystery, some days my world seems bright and filled with hope. On other days, my heart is dark and my mind is troubled. Help me remember to have sources of light ready when darkness comes. Remind me to walk closely to You and Your words as I travel through this life. Help me to be a source of light to those around me. Thank You for being a source of light for me. With You I know I can find my way no matter how dark it gets. Amen.
Notes from Dr. Mac
If you want to do your own investigation of any of the scriptures I use, I suggest you go to Bible Gateway. This free online version of the Bible allows a search of words or phrases in various translations. Light is a common theme, as is darkness; I suggest you do a search and see what interesting phrases you’ll find.
You can find all my previous posts and podcasts at my ARCHIVE and organized compilations in the My “Books” section.
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