The Lights of Home

The days are shorter now here in Alaska, that means I walk in the dark at 6:00 in the morning. The months of September and October are particularly dark as there is no snow to reflect streetlight, starlight, or moonlight. I’m not afraid to walk in the dark. By that time of the morning, the late night street haunters are usually asleep where ever it is they sleep, traffic is minimal, and the only other scary things that might be out there are moose. I have learned if I don’t panic and keep walking, they usually take a look at me and my doggy companion and keep eating. It’s when I sneak up on them because I don’t see them as they blend into the darkness of trees and houses that we both get a fright!

The other day as I turned the last corner of my walk, a little chilled, a little tired and very hungry, I saw the welcome sight of home. The tall windows across the front of my house were lit by my reading light in my favorite corner, the glowing chandler in the dining room formed the familiar silhouette of my husband as he stood, cereal bowl in hand, eating his trusty Cheerios. As there was no other movement, I anticipated the usual wake-up call for my teenagers and the irritation that comes with oversleeping. Nevertheless, I knew from experience of many mornings that the coffee would be hot, the welcome warm, and all things familiar and loved were right there on the other side of those lighted windows. I paused to savor the moment, even though the morning would be rushed, said a grateful prayer of thanksgiving, and thought, “Who am I to deserve such riches?”

“Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before Him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are His people… For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation.” Psalm 100 (NLT)