There are so many benefits to life off the main highway: beauty, privacy, quiet (can you hear it?) to name just a few. But, as with anything, there is also a downside. Aside from enjoying the beauty, privacy and quiet, almost everything requires a lengthy drive and sizable time commitment. To provide just a bit of perspective, the nearest Walmart is 75 minutes away. Another rather vexatious drawback to this rural life is the dearth of skilled tradesmen and thus the fossilizing wait time for service. It is a small miracle then that, after almost a full year of anticipation, our upstairs privy is finally finished!
But wait, before we light off the celebratory fireworks, let me add one caveat - everything is finished EXCEPT the electric. The wiring is there. The ceiling fan is gathering dust on the floor. We are simply missing the outlets and pot lights. Oh.... and the electrician to connect it all! It all looks so good - especially in the dark or by flashlight!
I find myself becoming increasingly philosophical these days - mining for the hidden lessons in life's vagaries. It's cheaper than therapy. The other day, as I rejoiced in the flushing facilities and how nicely everything had come together on a reasonable budget, I couldn't help but moan "but there's no power!" It looks great. It's functioning. But there's no power.
To the casual onlooker everything looks just swell. All shiny and clean. Colour coordinated. Functional - until you go to turn on the light or use a hairdryer. In the day time, I can almost trick myself into believing that everything is working just fine. I don't have to turn on the light until it's dark outside or we are enduring one of the notorious "Grey" county days. Even then, we are accustomed to using a flash light now. It seems almost normal.
My spiritual life can be just like the bathroom. Everything looks great. Partially functioning. Quite convincing to those looking on. In fact, I can even get used to not having power - in the good times. It's not until facing the darkness that I realize just how disconnected and powerless I am. At those times it matters little how things LOOK. It matters how things ARE. Am I connected to the Power source or aren't I?
An old hymn of the faith reads:
Would you be free from the burden of sin? There's power in the blood.
Would you be free from your passion and pride? There's power in the blood.
Would you do service for Jesus your King? There's power in the blood. (Lewis E Jones)
I don't know about you but I'm tired of living life by flashlight. I want to live connected to the Light of the World every day. Every moment. I need that power!
As we enter Advent 2017 and ponder the mystery of Emmanuel "God with us", lets take some time to reconnect to the source of all power The Lord Jesus Christ.
Again. Or maybe for the first time.
"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine." (Isaiah 9:2)
Learn more about Don and Karen's Ministry here
