Earlier this year we were in Southern California visiting my Aunt Betty and the family as we celebrated her 91st birthday. We had an enjoyable time interacting with cousins whom we seldom see.
Aunt Betty has her sense of humor and her memory is good. When she asked if I remember staying with her family when I was small, I surprised her with stories of several escapades with her sons Jim and Richard. Betty's husband (Uncle Garnett) is in heaven with my dad (Garnett's older brother) and Aunt Betty still lives close to where my grandparents lived decades ago. When I related stories of my stay with the grandparents when I was 7, she addressed me by the name she gave me 65 years ago, and asked, "Little Blue-Gene, how do you remember all of that from so long ago?" I laughed and asked, "Aunt Betty, you are 24 years older than I am; how do YOU remember the past so well?" She laughed as we enjoyed the bantering, and gave me an Aunt Betty hug.
My wife, Carol, spent time with cousin Dave's wife, Cheryl, and they shared some of their views of Linzey family history. It was a full house, and I enjoyed interacting with all the cousins. You know how it is at family reunions: since we don't get together very often, we all try to catch up on the latest. I even got many of their phone numbers on my cell phone. (Alas: the phone hiccuped two months ago and I lost most of them. I'll try to get them again later.) The cake was outstanding: beautiful, as well as tasty! The 91st birthday party was a wonderful event.
Suddenly, in the midst of the camaraderie, it happened! The lights began to flicker, got dim, then totally went out! Happy talking morphed into "What happened?" Laughter subsided. A touch of bewilderment set in. Several cousins lit candles and continued a different level of conversation while others got out the flashlights and checked the breaker box. The breakers had not tripped. Some of the family became concerned about walking around in a darkened, crowded house because physical safety was now an issue. Basically, the big party was over.
The mystery was growing until several of us looked outside, and "Viola"! The power in the entire neighborhood was out. Taking it in good humor, Aunt Betty said, "Oh that happens whenever someone around here has a party. It was our turn this time."
Some of the family decided to go home, but others of us stayed for a while because there is life when the power goes out. In reduced lighting we ate more cake, looked at more pictures, and told more stories. But gradually the energy level began fading and we all went home. That is not bad; it's part of life. Carol and I eventually left with cousin Jim.
But isn't it interesting how fear can creep into our minds when we are in the dark? Also interesting is how folk respond differently to the same power outage. Some people might withdraw in fear and have difficulty reaching out to others; some leave the darkness for a lighter environment; yet others reach for the flashlight and help others find their way.
But there are other ways our "power" goes out. Sometimes life is going smoothly -- we have a good-paying job, the grown children love us, our retirement income is covering our needs, we are in good health, etc. -- and we have sufficient energy to get through and enjoy life. But suddenly, darkness descends and tries to suffocate us like a wet shroud: a family member dies, we develop cancer, the stock market plunges, or some other catastrophe thrusts us into the darkness of life. What should we do?
We can withdraw in fear and avoid others; we can fill our life with noise and activity to overshadow, or drown out, our emptiness and hurt; or we can reach for the true source of light -- Jesus Christ: the Light of the world (John 8:12). This light, Jesus, can expel all darkness and restore power and life if we turn to Him. Jesus said, "I'll never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)" There is still life when the power goes out; so share God's light and life with others who are in the dark.
-- Gene Linzey is a speaker, author, and former pastor. Send comments and questions to [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
Religion on 07/16/2014