WEEK 16 “RISE AND SHINE”

When people think of a journey they think of going somewhere, of physically going from one place to another.  Not all journeys are like that. Let me tell you a story about a lighthouse.

Along time ago in a land far away (can you tell it’s a story) there was a happy lighthouse. This lighthouse was on a rocky shore of a very treacherous section of ocean.  He worked day and night shining his light for all to see, keeping the ships away from the rocks and ensuring the passengers reached their destinations safely. It didn’t matter how hard he worked or how long it took for he knew he was making the world a safer and better place.  He often wondered how many people’s lives he affected, but it really didn’t matter he just focused on the ones close enough to shine his light on.

Slowly, over time the ocean shore changed and receded leaving him further and further inland making it harder and harder to help keep the ships safe. Years, no decades went by and he found himself totally landlocked.  No water could even be seen, a real problem for a lighthouse.  He felt discouraged, helpless and sad.  He was in the middle of nowhere with no one to shine for, no one to help. He was so depressed he turned off his light.

One very still, dark night when he was feeling lonely and depressed, he saw a faint light off in the desert.  It was going back and forth as if lost, but getting closer.  He wondered what or who would be in the desert at this hour and where they were going.  Suddenly, he had an idea!  What if I could shine my light and help them?  It had been so long since he let his light shine he had almost forgotten how.  He mustered his strength and turned on his light.  Dim at first, but as he worked at it, brighter and brighter it got until it shone in full brilliance!

He looked out on the desert toward the lights he saw and noticed they were no longer going back and forth but were headed straight for him!  He was helping someone!  He couldn’t believe how good he felt doing what he was designed to do! It made him feel alive, energized and full of purpose.  He still couldn’t imagine why someone was wandering in the desert, but was glad he could help.

As the lights got closer his sense of purpose grew until he could see them in his light.  He could hardly contain his excitement as they came closer and closer arriving at his door! Once inside, they explained they were trying to get to the ocean, got lost, ran out of food and water, and expected to die alone in the desert.  Then they saw the light from the lighthouse.  When they first saw it they weren’t sure what they were seeing, and as the light got brighter their hope and excitement grew until they realized they were not alone.  Someone cared!  Someone was willing to help!  They ate, drank, rested and got directions to the coast.  In the morning they continued on their journey with renewed faith.

After they left, the lighthouse looked inside himself, realized he was a lighthouse and he was created to shine his light whether anyone saw it or not!  From that day forward he let his light shine brightly all the time, feeling great about himself, knowing maybe, just maybe he is helping someone on their journey.

When I woke up this morning, my wife said “rise and shine”.  I never realized the true meaning and how profound this saying is.

RISE AND SHINE!