Light For The Way

I awoke from a deep sleep to what sounded like my dog barking.  It was loud and distinct.  Did it happen or did I dream it?  I hoped I had dreamt it because I really didn’t want to get out of bed.  So, I waited to see if I heard it again.  A few minutes later, I heard the same sound.  “Yep,” I said to myself, it wasn’t a dream and he wants to go outside.

Still blurry eyed I turned my head and looked over at the clock on my nightstand.  I squinted to try and read the red glow that illuminated back to me. “Oh man”, it was just 3:00 in the morning!

Rising from my warm bed, I proceeded to walk down the hallway to the kitchen where he was sitting staring directly at me in the glow of the kitchen light that is kept on during the nighttime hours.  I put his "Invisible Collar" on (we are not allowed to have fences in our neighborhood – we won’t go there right now!) and opened the blinds to the patio door.

Not surprisingly, I could not see anything but my reflection in the glass from the kitchen light. I then put on my jacket and gathered my safety supplies (yes, safety supplies) and said a quick prayer for protection (yes, I have to this time of day – or night rather) and stepped into the cool night air.  In one hand I have the flashlight that is canvasing the backyard back and forth and the sound horn in the other with my finger on the button ready to go in the event I see “it” or “them!”

I am not talking about the occasional stray cat, opossum, or event giant-sized rabbit that is known to find its way into my backyard at any time.  I’m talking about the COYOTES!   While these coyotes are a thing of beauty, they wreak a bit of terror when you see them or hear them because of their reputation.  (They don't have a good one!) They can leap up to three feet, can climb over anything less than six feet and drag their prey with them.  Coyote adults can weigh up to 46 pounds and can run up to 43 mph.  They often travel (or hunt) alone or in loose pairs.  They usually stay away from humans, but if they see a small animal, they think it's prey. When they see a large dog, they think it is a rival.  So, hence I have the “safety supplies” in addition to the loud screaming that would soon follow out of my mouth.

As I stood there, I canvassed the backyard with the light and went back and forth as the light fell upon the pathway of my very distracted 50 lb. puppy, Snuffles.  He had picked up a scent of something and didn’t do what he was supposed to be doing.   As I continued this ritual, I thought to myself how God watches over me and casts his heavenly light upon me to help me find my way.  Sometimes I stay on the path, and sometimes I take a detour, but he still casts his light on me and impresses my heart along the way.

In John 8:12 Jesus tells us, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”  And, in John 12:46 he tells us, “I have come into the world as a light so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

We live in a dark world, but Jesus is still in control and there is still light in it.  It is our choice to keep close to Him, be ACTIVE in his word and in prayer, and follow his advice and direction wherever it may lead.  Today, let Jesus be the light for your way.

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