My mother-in-law had a collection of lighthouses—lots and lots of lighthouses! Some of these were ornaments, figurines, wall pieces and more. Everywhere I looked, there was a lighthouse. I always found this fascinating because she was originally from North Dakota and then moved to Montana. It’s not like lighthouses are a thing in these states. I asked my husband if he knew why she liked them so much. Two things, he said, the way they are structured and the light the shines from them.

This got me to thinking about the gifts a lighthouse brings to us:

• A light that helps us navigate our way, especially in the darkness.
• A beacon of light.
• Hope on the horizon—the water may be rough but the shores are still and grounded.
• Warning when there is danger, keeps us safe.

Of course, I started to connect the dots into our own experiences in life. What happens when we ARE the lighthouse for someone?

• We shine light in the darkness.
• We lead people from rough waters to peace, clarity and a knowing that “it will be ok.”
• We give people hope.
• The light is contagious. As we shine the light on others, they shine too.
• We can warn people if we see danger or harmful things happening.

Friends, I truly believe one responsibility we have in humanity is to be a lighthouse for others. We are called to love our neighbors. This is not just the person living next door. What if we became a lighthouse to all? What if we were consistently bringing hope, light, navigation, a safe haven and more? Each of us has so much to give, we simply have to be the lighthouse. Yes, the structure of each of us may look different. That’s the beauty. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on lighthouses. Have you ever visited one? What was your impression and what did you take away from the experience? What are the ways that you are a lighthouse to others?

Keep SHINING in Your Brilliance!