Sunrises and Wristwatches

I used to love those mornings pre-k (before kids) when I could wake up slowly in bed.  I would allow my eyes to open gradually, savor the warmth of the covers and enjoy an easy stretch.  As I contemplated the day before me, I would say a prayer and begin the day intentionally. 

Sleep deprivation keeps me from those moments now, with toddlers who have their own internal alarm clocks!  Mornings tend to be particularly hectic getting ready to get out the door.  I marvel at how God can still break through the rush and remind me to begin the day intentionally. 

Whether I am helping one of my sons get dressed, rinsing off breakfast dishes or wrangling the kids for coats, I glance outside.  Sunrises can be so inspiring.  As I look at the colors filling the immense sky, I am reminded of a God who is much bigger than my worries and who created a world with beauty to enjoy - beauty that can sometimes bring us to our knees.

God indeed is our light.  Our Creator can pierce our consciousness with splendor through the wonders of creation, and our Lord Jesus can serve as a light to us in any darkness.  I recently read a Lenten devotion that reflects the power of Jesus' light.  It was written by Associate Pastor Ian Rankine, who serves at the church where I am Parish Associate.

His devotion reads:

“In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”  John 1:4

I have four small children, and there are times at night when someone cries and I have to get up out of bed and stumble through the dark to see what is going on. In the bedrooms, with their room darkening blinds, there are times when the darkness is palpable. So dark in fact, that although I can hear the crying, I have no idea which way up the child is lying in the bed.

I have a wristwatch that has a little light on it. When I push the light button on my watch, even as dim as that light is, it gives me just enough light to see by to find out what is going on with the little one.

It is truly the dimmest of lights, but when it is on, the darkness is cast aside.

Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world.” He is “The Light of all mankind.”

If even a tiny light on a wristwatch can dispel the darkness around it, consider the power and extent of the brightness of this One who is the Light of the World.

Whatever darkness you may find yourself in, or whatever darkness may be inside you, it cannot overcome the light of Christ.

What a powerful message.  I appreciate Ian's moment of fatherly tenderness. The image of a faint watch light will stick with me. I can relate to it, as my oldest son loves Timex Indiglo watches and faithfully wears one. He loves the security of a light that never leaves him. Now I can look at his wrist too for a reminder of God's glory.

Prayer:  Dear God, thank you for your light in the world.  Thank you that you are always available to us - to refuel us, cleanse us, and help us cast our worries and fears aside.  We celebrate your faithfulness and ask that we might know your Light more.  In Jesus' name, Amen.