The Lamp by Debby James

I grew up in the country and as kids we all had our share of chores to do. From the youngest to the oldest, we all did our share. My brother and cousins helped milk cows for a farmer up the road from us. They went to the barn every morning before school and every day after school. Nothing stopped the cows from being milked, not weather, or sickness or weekends, or holidays.

The road that led to that barn seemed at least a mile away and on nights when it was so dark you could not see your hand in front of your face it seemed even farther. Each evening we younger children loved to run and meet our brothers coming down that road and they loved to tease and scare us senseless all the way home.

Our Uncle kept an old kerosene lamp burning and hanging on his porch to light our way. He told us it was there to keep the "boogers" away. Walking to and from that old barn each night , we hoped he was telling the truth, as our imaginations created many a scary thought. Wind and shadows and sounds played tricks on our minds. However, we could see that light and it kept us focused on our destination.

Our steps were true and full of confidence as that old lantern swayed on its hook spreading it's light in front of us.Guiding our footsteps, lighting the way. It assured us we were okay, headed in the right direction, on the right path and close to the safety of home.

Now, as when I was a child God's Word and love are still doing for me what that old lamp did for me so long ago. Guiding, directing, encouraging and keeping me on the way that is the straight path, lighting the path that always leads to the safety of home.

Psalms 119: 105 Your Word is a Lamp unto my feet, and a Light unto my path