Ethan and the Nightlight

Something struck me this morning as I went to tidy Ethan’s room once he left for school. He has to get up so early to catch the bus, and like so many homes we are in a 30-minute marathon to get him out the door; we, therefore we allow him to literally roll out of bed and come downstairs to get dressed, have breakfast, and enjoy a little family time before the day begins. So each morning, Tiffany or I saunter upstairs to turn off his fan, alarm clock, and nightlight. This strikes me because last night when I went to check on him after he fell asleep, he was doing everything in his power (i.e., covering his face with his pillow) to block out the light from his nightlight.

I am a very light-sensitive sleeper, so I suppose he comes by it naturally. We both prefer pitch-black darkness in order to sleep. This is why I find it strange that he still chooses to sleep with a nightlight. So I simply asked him, “Why do you want to keep using a nightlight when you need to sleep in total darkness?” I take it he has pondered this existential dilemma as well because he was quick to respond. This is what he said, “Dad, it’s because I want to be able to see if I ever wake up in the middle of the night to get to the bathroom.” His answer had a simple profundity that can hardly be argued.

This got me contemplating the need for a light in the darkness. Ethan wants to know the light is there so he can see to get to the bathroom, but I also think there is another reason: he wants to make sure his room environment looks basically the same at night as it does in the day. Let’s face it – things can look different at 3am, can’t they? Strange shadows can be cast and what is a cute cuddly plush toy can appear to be the boogey man in the middle of the night. So using a nightlight helps him know that there is always a light shining in the darkness to guide him to the bathroom, cast away the shadows that play tricks on his mind in the dark, and help him know the truth that he can rest in comfort and safety.

Jesus said in John 9.5b, “I am the light of the world.” The Bible also says in 2 Corinthians 4.6, “For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” God has given us a light to shine perpetually in our lives. I think there is a great parallel with why Ethan continues to use a nightlight: (a) God gave us Jesus so we can see in the times we walk in darkness; (b) God gave us Jesus to cast away the shadows that play tricks on our eyes; and (c) God gave us Jesus so we’ll know the truth of His love even when we feel all alone, comforting us that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4.4 – in other words, “Yeah God, and boo devil!”)

I’m not sure if your eyes still play tricks on you in the middle of the night. I know mine do. And my mind still plays tricks on me in the middle of the day when I see or feel darkness all around me. When I’m not sure where to go, when I think all is lost, and when I’m searching for the truth, Jesus is there as an ever present help in times of trouble to help me know I’m not alone. (Psalm 46.1)

The light is always there. If you feel you’re stumbling around in the darkness, open the eyes of your heart to acknowledge the light that shines the face of God in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1.18) He’s leading the way. (Matthew 4.16) He’s casting out the shadows. (James 1.17) He’s shining light as the truth. He can do this, my friends, because He IS the LIGHT! May He illuminate your life today!

Be blessed and let the light so shine.

The Sweetest Day

I was just perusing our family's wall calendar trying to get my ducks in a row before we take a very happy long weekend next week to celebrate the 15th anniversary of my wife's 21st birthday. I noticed that this Saturday, October 17th, is known as The Sweetest Day. I could not recall having heard of this day before, so I decided to consult the bastion of knowledge that is Wikipedia for my burning question, "What in the world is the Sweetest Day?"

The Wikipedia article says: "Sweetest Day is an observance celebrated primarily in the Great Lakes region and parts of the Northeast United States on the third Saturday in October. Once known as a day to spread love and cheer to the unfortunate, this popular holiday in the northern U.S. is now known as a day to show love to the male in your life. It is described by Retail Confectioners International as an "occasion which offers all of us an opportunity to remember not only the sick, aged and orphaned, but also friends, relatives and associates whose helpfulness and kindness we have enjoyed." Sweetest Day has also been referred to as a "concocted promotion.” created by the candy industry solely to increase sales of candy." (click here for more)

Even though I was not aware of Sweetest Day, it makes me a little sad that a day started out to help the less fortunate has turned into an occasion to sell candy and greeting cards. I am going to find a way with my family this Saturday to return to the original meaning of Sweetest Day. I want to encourage you to do so, too. For after all this is how God wants us to live our lives -- in concern and service for the world.

Jesus said in Matthew 25.34-40, "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"

May Christ's words help us think about what is truly sweet in this world -- to show others how much they mean to you and God. Have a great Sweetest Day and may it be the sweetest day ever in concern and love for the world.

How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
(Psalm 119.103)