Growing up I shared a room with my sister. For many years our dad would come in on weekday mornings and turn on what we called “the big light” to wake us up for school. It was a simple quiet act done with caring, so that we wouldn’t oversleep and be late. It wasn’t a rude awakening, but it got our attention none-the-less.
I’ve been thinking it is kind of similar to the times we are in. Somehow we’ve been suddenly awakened to a new day, and hopefully the light is shining on what couldn’t be seen in the dark. Of course it’s easy to pull the covers up over our heads, keep our eyes closed and try to go back to sleep, but something around us has undeniably changed.
Perhaps it’s time to wake up and take a good look around, both inwardly and outwardly. How have I been living, what do I place my hopes and sense of security in? What REALLY matters to me and how do I spend my time? These can be seemingly trite questions, but actually now is a good time to seriously consider them. It’s so clear how I hold on to this world and the people in it, as if that is what will fill my needs. That is an illusion, even in the best of times. It can all be taken away in an instant, as we have seen over and over again.
I must admit, I’m finding myself wanting to count my money, how much food I have, how many days I’ve been in isolation, all the times I need to wash my hands, etc.. And then I am reminded, I only need to count to one. One Source of hope, power, security, and Love. One Source of safety. One God Who is available to every one of us!
I realize not everyone reading this believes that, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. It’s a loaded topic on many levels, but taking another look might bring the very relief and comfort we long for, (as it could for those who already believe as well). I’m not talking about God as a religion, but about Jesus Christ as the Life that can fill our souls and set us free. The One Who can truly save us from the mess of this worldly existence. All we need to do is turn to Him, and be willing to let Him have everything we cling to in ourselves. The same things that will slip away someday, whether we choose to let go or not.
I hope this is something we all stay open to, now and always, Maybe we’re in a perfect place to examine our beliefs, or unbeliefs, and perhaps our current condition is exactly as need be.
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
