We’re facing challenges at the McCloskey household. After being lost in the weeds a couple of weeks ago, 0ur senior dog, Molly, has lost what little bit of vision she had left. Watching her struggle is tough. Thankfully, our other dogs are stepping up, helping her navigate inside the house and guarding her when she goes outside. And through all the love from humans and canines alike, Molly is learning to walk by a different kind of light. The light of courage and love. There is a lot we can learn from our four-legged friends.
I recently heard a powerful line in a show: “The most important light in the world is the light we cannot see.” This immediately made me think of Jesus. The Bible describes Jesus as the light of the world, and John 1:4-5 says, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all humanity. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Before I knew Jesus, I was unaware of the darkness in my life. I felt justified in my prejudice and annoyance towards others, with my emotions dominated by fear, anger, and hatred, especially towards Christians. Now, I realize that holding onto offense and grudges is unhealthy and counterproductive. God created us to love and be loved; anything less is simply living in darkness.
Anger has become alarmingly prevalent in our society, overshadowing love and compassion. It’s time we acknowledge this shift and choose a different path, or we’ll be lost in darkness. Jesus wisely cautioned, “If your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. How deep that darkness is!”
Remember, “The most important light in the world is the light we cannot see.” I believe that this unseen light lives within me. It is the hope and love that come from God. Each of us is born with an incredible, God-given capacity for love. I believe love is our inherent nature. Since we are created in the image of God, and the Bible says God is love, it follows that we are created in the image of love. This love is our default state.
Unfortunately, in this broken world, we are taught lessons of fear and hatred. Personally, I am tired of reacting to those lessons. I want to live by and in the light that resides within me. Moreover, I know that darkness cannot overcome light, and all it takes is a spark to illuminate a room.
If you wonder what that looks like, drop by my house and watch our dog pack. Usually, there is a bit of jealousy from the other three towards Molly. She is the littlest and, for 15 years, has been the queen of the household. But the other three have put all that aside to help their tiny comrade adjust to her affliction. Just like Jesus promises, the light of their love has overcome Molly’s darkness. She is now walking by faith and not by sight. That is the miracle of love.
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