“Lighthouses stand as beacons of light;

guiding ships safely through the night.

May this lighthouse stand as a symbol of guidance for you,

reminding you of the people in your life

who have helped guide you on your journey.”

~Isabel Bloom

How beautiful are these words as we celebrate National Lighthouse Day?!

Each year, we celebrate National Lighthouse Day on August 7th.   This day is set aside to honor   the beacons of light.  Just think about how, for hundreds of years, the lighthouse has been a symbol of safety and security for ships and boats while at sea.  Imagine all the people that this beacon of light helped find their way on a foggy night!  Think of the lives spared by this one light shining brightly, guiding them safely to shore!

Why August 7th, you may ask?  It is due to the United States Congress approving an act on August 7, 1789 for the “establishment and support of Lighthouse, Beacons, Buoys, and Public Piers.”  Approximately two hundred years later, Congress designated August 7th as National Lighthouse Day!  

I often think of the lighthouse as Jesus Christ guiding us in life.  As the old gospel song says, “If it wasn’t for the lighthouse, where would this ship be?”  We are nothing without Jesus, and we would be so lost in this cold, dark, and evil world.  Jesus provides a way for us, lighting our path as we journey through life.

This evening, my family and I went to an Amish restaurant in a small town where they serve delicious food and homemade bread.  Upon stepping foot into the door, I noticed a lighthouse lamp sitting on a shelf.

There was an older gentleman seated nearby that appeared to be a part of the family that owned the restaurant, so I inquired as to whether they were selling the lamp.  The former owners used to have an antique shop under the same roof as their restaurant, and I loved to visit to enjoy the food but also to see what treasure I would find there after the meal.  Since they changed hands, I wasn’t sure if this would still be the case.  This time, I spotted my treasure shortly after walking through the door, and sure enough, this lighthouse lamp was for sale after all … and I made it mine tonight!  I almost squealed with delight when they said the lamp was for sale!!  I know I cheered, “Yea!” and my husband just laughed at my excitement.   I had to share with the owners that lighthouses are my favorite, and what better day to find such a treasure than on National Lighthouse Day!

I have various lighthouses on displayed in my home.  From little what-nots of the lighthouses we’ve visited, to lighthouse pictures, and even a lighthouse table, it’s safe to say that I have a “thing” for lighthouses!  Here’s a sneak peek into my living room.

My most favorite lighthouse of all time is the Morris Island Lighthouse near Folly Beach, South Carolina.  If I’m ever stressed, walking out on the white, sandy beach toward the water’s edge seems to help melt away all the cares of the world even if just for a little while.  With sand between my toes and the roar of the waves as they roll in and then crash against the rocks, it feels as if all is right in the world as I stand so small against the magnificent lighthouse.  I think of Jesus and how He provides peace.  I also think of how small I am in this big ole world, but Jesus sees me, cares for me, and loves me.  I matter to Him!  And He is there, shining His light in my life guiding me safely to Heaven’s Door.

I think of how Jesus uses me – and any one that is a willing vessel – to share His light with the world.  There is hope in Jesus, and there is love … the sweetest love you will ever know!

These are just a few things that lighthouses make me think of as I marvel at them reaching up from the ground so high in the sky.

Take time to appreciate the beauty of a lighthouse near you, and while you’re there, it is my hope that you, too, will think of our Guiding Light, Jesus Christ!

Happy National Lighthouse Day!