Light for the Journey

Today I reach into the 'grab-bag' from ‘ancient history,' abbreviated and adapted from one of my column articles from twenty years ago.

The newlyweds were embarking on their life together. It was November, '66. Their wedding ceremony was hours past and they’d left their guests at the reception venue. They didn’t own a car, but now, snug in a rented Austin Mini, they headed towards their honeymoon hotel destination, about an hour and a half’s drive to the West Coast of Scotland.

'66 Austin Mini. Credit: CarGurus.

Same model & colour, but without 

"Just Married" signs and streamers

Despite the late November night’s sleet and snow the little mini – still bedecked with Just Married signs and other hoopla – hugged the road well. Leaving city traffic behind, the couple soon passed through the suburbs, and before long the city lights were far behind.

The road was quiet, and they zoomed nicely along the country roads, negotiating numerous twists and turns. But it wasn’t long before dazzling lights of an oncoming vehicle met them on a bend in a heavily wooded area, and the groom, who was driving, switched to the dimmed lights. Blackout – no lights at all! Total darkness, except for the dazzle spots temporarily burned into his vision from the vehicle that had just passed them.

He tried to concentrate on the road ahead, and struggled to keep on course in the darkness as he switched back to the full beams. Mercifully, the couple reached their destination in safety. Apparently, a problem with the electrical system of the car meant that whenever the dimmer switch was operated, every light went out. Well, the couple is still together, and you won’t need twenty guesses as to who they are.

 Signing her life away! Good ol' B&W photography, eh. 

It’s very difficult to find one’s way in the dark without a source of light – especially when caught by surprise, as we were. Likewise, as we find our way through life, on and into the uncharted territory of a new year, it is a whole lot easier when we have a source of light and are properly prepared. 

I knew very little about cars at that time. If I’d checked the car’s systems out earlier I would have discovered that problem. We were young then, but are now more cautious about preparing.

How important to prepare for our journey through life, and for our exit from it. The psalmist, in Psalm 27 wrote, The Lord is my light and my salvation . . . The Lord is the strength of my life. And, in Psalm 25:9-10  He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.  10  All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant.

While the year is still quite young, let us open up our hearts and minds in humility to the Holy Spirit, and let the Scriptures speak to our hearts, trusting the grace of God to help us safely negotiate the bends in the road of life, with the Lord Jesus Christ as our companion, who lights up our life – even if the lights should go out.

~~~
The original edition was published as a newspaper column article in January, 1999
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Peter is a retired pastor – well, sort of retired – as he is currently engaged as an associate volunteer pastor. He lives in Southwestern Ontario with his wife, May, and writes a weekly inspirational newspaper column and occasional magazine articles. Peter is author of two books: "Parables from the Pond" (Word Alive Press) and "Raise Your Gaze . . . Mindful Musings of a Grateful Heart" (Angel Hope Publishing). He and May are also engaged in leading nursing home / residential chapel services and music. ~+~