The Friendship Lamp

 

Photo by Jill Wellington@Pixabay

I read about an interesting device, the Friendship Lamp. These have evidently been out a while, but I just discovered them through a meditation in Our Daily Bread.

(See video: Friendship Lamps)

On initial impulse, I thought this was a great idea. I’d love for each of my kids to have one. I could let them know, unobtrusively, every time I thought of them. But when I researched the lamps, I found out they are very expensive. Most pairs retail for $90 to $200. That’s more than I can spend when a phone call or a text will work just as well.  

However, I admit the visual of the light is appealing, like leaving the light on for someone to come home or a candle in the window. Who doesn’t light up when a friend calls, texts, or stops by for a visit?

This reminded me of a coffee mug a friend gave me years ago. This letter is written across the front.

I am writing to say how much I care for you. I want you to know me better. When you woke this morning, I exploded a brilliant sunrise through your window, hoping to get your attention. But you didn’t even notice. Later, you were walking with friends, I bathed you in warm sunshine and perfumed the air with flowers. Still, you didn’t notice me. So, I shouted to you in a thunderstorm, and painted a beautiful rainbow. You didn’t even look! Tonight, I spilled moonlight on your face and sent a cool breeze to refresh you. As you slept, I watched over you and shared your thoughts, but you were unaware of my presence. I hope you will talk to me soon. When you’re ready, I will be near. I love you very much.

Your Friend,

Jesus

I wonder if after a while, the lamps would be just as unnoticeable. Perhaps the best light is the light inside of us, our faith, which Jesus told us not to hide, but to place in a window for all to see. That light is our acts of kindness and compassion.

Dear Lord, thank you for being my friend. In return, mold my thoughts, my actions, and my words to reflect You. Amen.

 

Lighting Our Lamps

Now that the days are shorter, I take Cooper, our little Brittany, outside in the dark, morning and evening. My flashlight is a necessity. So, it was appropriate that my Gospel reading for today told the story of the virgins and their lamps waiting for the bridegroom.

In my devotional, Living Faith, author Patricia Livingston suggested a new twist. She used the imagery of faith. We can run out of oil, wearied by too much responsibility and not enough quiet time. Rather than being selfish, it replenishes, allowing our light to burn brighter.

Streams in the Desert, also had an excellent example. Our spiritual life is like a garden. The more we tend it, the more beautiful it becomes. Perhaps our neighbor will decide to improve his own. Frantic busyness doesn’t accomplish anything other than to prevent refilling our spirits.

As I walked out in the country dark this morning, the stars were a brilliant canopy of light. I even saw a meteor. Later, while back inside my warm house, dawn shimmered along the eastern mountains, first in hues of rose, then gold. The wind stilled, and so did my racing thoughts.

God doesn’t need my constant chatter. Sometimes, a quiet silence offers as much praise as a litany of prayers. Done often enough, it will take root and grow, keeping my lamp lit regardless of how long the bridegroom tarries.