See the light, be the light.

Not long ago, I made an early morning run to the airport.  It was very dark and VERY foggy.  I imagined I would be the only one on the road at that hour (4 a.m.) and might find it to be slow going, or maybe even no going.  There were, amazingly, a smattering of fellow travelers headed in the same direction.  I could consistently see two or four red tail lights in the murkiness ahead of me and about the same number of obscured headlights barely visible in my rearview mirror. Reassured by them both fore and aft, I made good progress towards my destination.  If one or the other faded away, very quickly a new bright spot appeared.  I was never left alone.

So, here’s the point: There will always be someone who’s light you can see ahead of you, pointing the way.  They’re not driving your car, they’re not governing your choices, but they’ve travelled some of the road you’re on and can be a beacon of sorts.  And if they leave your route, another guide will be made plain.

And there will always be someone behind you trusting your light.  You’re not driving their car, you’re not governing their choices, but you can shine a bit of light on the path they’re about to travel on.  And if they choose another way, your progress is not hindered.

Jesus explained it this way.  He said (John 8:12) “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”  But he didn’t leave it there.  He made plain to those who heard his word, “Ye are the light of the world.”  (Matt 5:14)

It doesn’t matter how foggy your life is right now, or how encased in darkness.  There is always a light to guide you. That light is the eternal Christ, forever shining, forever true.   And even in your blackest hour, you still have something to offer that will help to clear the mist for someone else.

Mary Baker Eddy offers this sweet reminder: “Remember, thou canst be brought into no condition, be it ever so severe, where Love has not been before thee and where its tender lesson is not awaiting thee.”  (Miscellany page 149)

It’s always darkest before the dawn.  You can see the light, you can be the light.

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.  If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.