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
