MONDAY MEDITATION: The Light Is On (June 20)

“I go to prepare a place for you…” – John 14:2 (NRSV)

Whenever I need to go to a happy place, my mind wanders back decades to one evening on the farm.

It’s late spring, just after sunset. I’m in the johnboat on the small lake down the hill from our house. Deep crimson and purple darken the sky, preparing for night; they’re reflected in the still surface of the water.

The air is cool and carries the aroma of spring flowers. A chorus of the creatures of the night—frogs and insects—try to find harmony. A whippoorwill skims over the lake for her meal.

For me, this scene is about as close to heaven on earth as I can imagine. Even the sensation of sitting in the boat conveys the other-worldly sense of floating above the earth.

As night falls and the evening symphony grows louder, I look up the hill and see the outline of our house. A light glows softly through the kitchen window. Inside are Mom and Dad. They’re waiting dinner for me. We’ll enjoy it together before watching a little TV then saying goodnight.

Somehow this scene would not be complete if I didn’t look up the hill and see that light. The glow says that inside I’ll find not just a place but a home, where people love, care, and sacrifice for me. It’s where all is right with the world, in that small time and place.

It’s a special memory linking to the past, but also projecting into the future.

I think of it when I hear Jesus tell his disciples that he is preparing a house for them on top of the hill. He’ll make sure the light is on: “…so that where I am, there you may be also.”

6 thoughts on “MONDAY MEDITATION: The Light Is On (June 20)”

  1. What a wonderful way to start the week. Thank You Pastor Greg. Greetings from Iowa!!!
    I have great memories of visiting church with my daughter and hearing your great sermons! You are indeed a Blessing to Others!!

    Reply
  2. The chapter John 14 was my dad’s favorite chapter. He quoted it to me shortly before he went to meet his Lord and Savior this past April.

    Reply
  3. I saved this one because I knew it would “get to me”, as so many of your reflections,
    (and sermons in the past) do. Thank you, Pastor Greg.

    Reply

Leave a Comment