Let There Be Light

​“Mommy, my lightflash doesn’t work,” wailed my five-year old son as he frantically pushed the button in and out on his tiny blue flashlight.

​I suppressed a giggle at his precious word reversal and helped him get new batteries to make the light reappear for him. Proudly, he waved his “lightflash” around the room like a Jedi yielding a lightsaber, happy that it worked and gave off a strong, bright beam.
​
Remembering this moment, I recalled other times that light became important in my children’s lives. Fondly, I recalled the necessary glow of the nightlight in an infant’s nursery to help me change dirty diapers or wet crib sheets while I was half-asleep. 

That same night light lit an anxious toddler’s room as she learned to sleep in a big bed alone. Tangles of Christmas lights encircle our living room as we wind them around the tree each November, just before the magical moment when the tree twinkles and ushers in holiday cheer. There have been campfires complete with sticky s’mores and friends laughing and sharing stories. I remember sleepovers with the lights on way too late into the night to celebrate the burgeoning independence of older children. I imagine at some point in the future, the flicker of candles will set the mood for romantic dinners or perhaps even wedding ceremonies when my children move into a new phase of their lives. When each distinct light shines, a season in my motherhood journey becomes discernible in its radiance.
​
God has used light to mark the passage of time and to govern days and nights since the very beginning—or at least since the fourth day. He didn’t use little pink or blue candles to mark the passage of years like we do on birthday cakes; nevertheless He used lights. Astronomically big ones: the sun, moon, and stars. Genesis 1:14 says, “And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years.’” God knew the power light would have and thought it was the right way to separate the night from the day, and to mark units of time as distinct, special, and unique. This verse even describes these units of time as “sacred.” God chose light because He is light. From the first chapter of the Bible, we see how foundational light is to faith. Not only does God use light to mark times and seasons, He himself is the light that illuminates the darkness. 
 
No matter where you are on your motherhood journey, you already know that there are sacred moments built into this gig. Some of the sacred moments are the hardest ones, the ones when it is easy to feel alone and hidden in darkness as you go through them. When you hit those bumpy patches, remember God is there with you. Look for God’s light to guide you through the dark moments. He sees your tears, hears your prayers, and offers His comfort and peace to you in a way only He can. When your heart feels full to bursting with pride and love for your child, remember God’s graciousness as He entrusted you to be the mom for your child. As the days, years, and seasons roll by, be assured that the very God who created night and day also empowers you to do the holy work of motherhood. Walk with Him and savor the sacred seasons, trusting His light to guide the way. 

Memory Verse:  “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

Meet the Author

Hi, I’m Dana Schaefer! Along with my husband and children, we make our home in northwest Georgia. I currently work as an Academic Dean at Heritage Bible College and am pursuing a doctoral degree. I love digging deeper into the Bible and finding encouragement, understanding, and truth to share with others. I love sunrises at the beach, rooibos tea, and crossword puzzles!