The following story is reprinted for you from the Rev. Paul Killingsworth in Yuma, Arizona. He writes a short, encouraging column for the Yuma Sun where my brother, Jeff, and his wife, Jane live.
There is a story in West Virginia folklore about a country doctor who was called out late one night to assist a woman about to give birth. When the doctor arrived at the farm house, things had progressed. The doctor asked the husband to help him by holding a gas lantern high in order to illuminate a makeshift delivery room.
Before long, the mother delivered a healthy baby boy. When the father lowered the lantern, the doctor commanded to keep the lantern held high. “We’re not done yet.”
Soon a second child was delivered, a healthy baby girl. The new father was shaken by the arrival of twins. Imagine the father’s astonishment when the doctor said, “ We can’t stop now. It looks as if it is going to be triplets.”
The stunned father, still holding the lantern high, replied, “ Do you think it’s the light attracting them?”
Maybe it was the memory of us delivering our own set of twins, or just the humor in the ending, but this little story brought me a smile and hope as the world continues on. Light is spoken about several times in God’s word. We need to ask if we are a light for Christ in today’s dark world. Are we helping to guide family or a friend to a better place?
“ When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “ I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”. John 8:12
Matthew 5: 14-16 says, “ You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father your Father in heaven.”
God’s part is to place us where he wants us to be; our part is to shine. May we keep our lanterns held high, just as the old doctor commanded.
Keep the light shining….it gives hope and help in the dark world.
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