Thinking...

Today is a dreary, rainy day, but oh how lush and green everything is looking! Rain brings life and life brings beauty and creation. This Sunday afternoon has been a pleasant day of rest. If it weren’t raining I would be out yet again, in my losing battle of pulling weeds in the vegetable garden and flower beds. There is a never-ending competition between the good plants (those bought or sown, planned, and planted) and the evil plants (weeds, weeds, and more weeds of every variety, shape, color and texture).  The real war that rages, however, is with the honeysuckle that is attempting to literally (and I literally mean literally) overtake our 2 acre homestead!  I read yesterday that goats LOVE honeysuckle. I wonder if I could borrow or rent one for the summer and maybe FINALLY get the honeysuckle under control!  I mean, it’s getting to be a real problem!

Here I go again, getting off track in my blog about a beach house. Oh well..

Today I’ve had time to think, which is something I really enjoy doing! (Actually, I think it’s called daydreaming). I’ve been thinking about Ocracoke Island and some of the fun times we’ve had there. The natural beauty of the island, coupled with the history of it, makes it a truly unique beach vacation.  The lighthouse there is one of the most beautiful aspects of the island. Because it’s located within the village (which is unusual for a lighthouse), you are able to see it almost everywhere you go at night. It rises up above the tree and roof lines and gives off a very comforting light. After our first trip  there in 2000 I was inspired to write a poem about it. I got the poem out and read it again, and I think I’ll share it. Not that I’m a great poet, but it shares thoughts and feelings of, well, .......me.


The Lighthouse  (June 2000)


On a recent sightseeing tour
In search of a scenic expanse, 
Looming above the tree line
I see a lighthouse in the distance.

What a charming little surprise!
We drive closer for the view,
And read about its past
and diameter and altitude.

It brings to my mind exciting tales
Of pirate mystery;
Of rum runners, wenches, and treasure chests
And saving ships at sea.

This old beacon stands tall and proud
Like a dutiful sentry guard;
At the entrance to a harbor town,
Its whitewashed walls appear stark.

Against a clear blue sky
And above a crystalline sea,
It rises so strong and dignified
And proclaims security.

It has stood through generations
Of hurricanes, storms and high seas;
Yet continues to stand steady and firm,
Still shining above the beach.

This pinnacle of warm, bright light
Brings questions to my mind.
Can my own faith endure and withstand 
The ravages of time?

What about the crashing surf,
The destructive wind and waves?
Will my faith shine strong and firm
Through future hurricanes?

Or will I run and hide myself,
Or escape to calmer climes,
Or board up, batten down, abandon my life,
Leaving my faith behind?

Then I remember the lighthouse--
It doesn’t shine on its own.
It has a keeper and source of power
And never works alone.

Christ is my lighthouse keeper.
He’s my electricity;
He will keep me shining bright
Throughout adversity.

So in life’s roughest storms,
Christ will shine through me at night,
And in confidence I can stand brave and tall,
Knowing my future is bright!


About 5 months after I wrote this poem, my dad had a brain hemorrhage. It caused dementia.  Life changed forever. It took his life 5 years later. And, yes, these thoughts were tested, tried and proven in my own life. And, yes, Christ was and is my electricity.

The wonderful Ocracoke Lighthouse.