Carol & I recently had the opportunity of a life time – we took a trip to Alaska. Before I go any further, I want to preface this by telling you that we are just a couple of small town country kids. For us to go places like this is … well, incredible! The things we saw and experienced are memories which we will share and cherish for a life time.
Part of this trip included being on a cruise ship. This was an almost constant topic of amusement and laughter, for us. The glitz, the glamour, … it just isn’t our lifestyle. Not that we didn’t have fun! But, we aren’t wealthy and don’t pretend to be. I even got “reprimanded” a couple of times by the dining crew for clearing my own dirty dishes from the table. “Mister Jeff!” I’m just not used to being waited on (or called “mister”)!
Anyhow, all that said; this was a treat. One of my greatest joys aboard the cruise, was to stand at the rail – especially at night. If you’ve ever been aboard ship at night, in the ocean, it is great! The feeling of solitude, without all of the lights and noises around me was truly peaceful. I found this to be one of the best prayer times I’ve experienced in a long time. I was reminded that Jesus got away numerous times “to a quiet place to pray”.
The darkness out there is … Dark! The waters and sky blend so together that it is actually disorienting. Looking out into the darkness and seeing something are two totally different things! As a matter of fact, one night we attended a sci-fi movie before heading off to our rooms. While Carol got ready for bed, I went out on deck. Having just seen a huge alien in the movie, part of my mind told me to stay away from the rail! Kinda creepy! Of course, that just enticed me to go lean over the rail and peer into the dark waters below, waiting for huge tentacles to reach up and daring them to haul me overboard. Obviously, that didn’t happen.
But, while I lingered there, my eyes drifted towards the aft. of the ship. There, the wake gleamed bright white in the glow of the ship’s running lights. It was an amazing sight! Out there, in the midst of the blackest night, the churning water shined. My thoughts turned from “sea monsters” to salvation. No matter how dark and threatening the world around us may seem, all we need do is adjust our focus onto the Light of the world – Jesus. We may feel disoriented. But, we can trust in Him as He moves us forward towards the Goal. Regardless of our financial “status”, we are to be His servants where ever we are. That way we too will be lights shining in the dark – a reflection of our LORD.