Riding Shotgun

 

            While I was staying with my grandchildren one weekend, I was reminded of the expression, “Riding Shotgun”. This term has an Old West history since stagecoach lines hired two men to ride atop the coaches. One drove the horses while the other sitting beside him rode as shotgun, keeping an eye out for bandits and even Indians. It was a very important job.

            So when I picked up the grandkids from school on a Friday afternoon, there was a rush to ride shotgun, which today means to ride in the front passenger seat of a vehicle. I had to chuckle as my two grandsons desired the spot, while my granddaughter climbed into the backseat without an argument. As it turned out, the oldest grandson won (this time)! So on the return trip to their house, I asked Jonathan to be on alert for traffic and for his assistance in directing me to their home.   

            Later, as I reflected on that incident, I thought of all the times I had wanted to ride shotgun when I was a kid. Riding in the front seat made me feel more grown-up and closer to the driver. I also remember being able to see outside better, especially looking out the wide, front windshield. Of course, there were several times when one or the other of my parents told me to sit back so they could see from my side. I actually wasn’t being a reliable shotgun rider. J But mostly, I enjoyed it because when I was riding shotgun, it meant I was alone with either my mom or dad. Total attention!!

            Now, since I no longer have children or grandchildren living close by, I don’t have a shotgun rider. However, as I thought about this concept, there have been many times while driving by myself that I could have been in traffic accidents, but they were either avoided or no serious harm occurred. In those instances, I have thanked Jesus, both silently and vocally, for His protection. Could it be that I did and do have a shotgun rider with total attention after all?

 

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;

My shield and the horn of my salvation,

My stronghold.” Psalm 18:2

 

 

           

Lighthouses

            I’m a lighthouse collector. I’m not sure when I became fascinated with lighthouses, but maybe it began after watching Walt Disney’s first Pete’s Dragon movie. I enjoyed how Nora (Helen Reddy) and her dad (Mickey Rooney) took full ownership of their lighthouse, painting the outside, maintaining the light that signaled incoming sea vessels. And of course, I can’t exclude Pete and Elliott, the charming, loveable dragon, who saved the day. Yep, it was a fun, entertaining movie. In a nostalgic way, the lighthouse brought them all together as family.

            Perhaps family is a part of my attraction for lighthouses. As I recall, the first lighthouse I owned was a night light that served as a comfort in our children’s bedroom. From there my interest grew as I began to find them at Hobby Lobby. But the most fun of shopping for lighthouses occurred when my youngest daughter and I visited antique stores. That’s when my collective addiction took off. J By then, other family members as well as a few close friends knew I was searching for lighthouses to add to my growing collection.  Consequently, I began receiving them as gifts. And not only lighthouse statues and figurines, but magnets, photographs, calendars, wind chime, throw blanket, cloth bags, and even a special lighthouse artwork made from my Mom’s clip-on earrings after she had passed away.  But, I never seriously thought about my collection until one of my granddaughters asked me why.

            As I reflected on my granddaughter’s question, I was drawn to one of my lighthouse pictures. A lighthouse stands firmly high upon a rock while rushing waves slap viciously around it. However, behind the lighthouse the reaching arms of Jesus with His hands open wide seem to embrace the lighthouse with a protective covering. Then, it struck me. Just as the lighthouse gives off light to direct, protect, and lead safe passage to ships at sea so does Jesus provide to all who believe in Him a safe and secure passage to eternal life. Certainly, the path isn’t without its turbulence and pain, but the light remains shining, giving hope for both the ship and the believer.   

            Then, another thought came to mind. Who maintains the lighthouse? Who makes certain the light is lit and remains lit?  Answer: the Lighthouse Keeper !! Jesus provides the safe passage but to keep the flame going, God has provided a helper, the Holy Spirit, to maintain our course and keep us directed to our eternal home.  So, to answer my granddaughter’s question…my lighthouses remind me of Jesus and the light that shines within me.

 

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. “ John 8:12

 

“And I pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.” John 14:16