Unquenchable light

“How long?”

“Maybe another six months, tops. Your vision will keep getting worse, only at a faster rate. In another three months, you’ll probably just be able to make out shapes, shadows, big things mainly.”

“So what you’re telling me is I should see all the things I really want to see in the next three months?”

The doctor sadly nodded. “I’m so sorry, Nate. They just haven’t found a real explanation or cure for what you seem to have. Your eyes are just wearing out.”

“Well Doc, guess I’d better gather all the light I can then. That’s what my grandfather told me anyway. Sounded kind of weird when he said it, but I’d better find out what he meant.”

“Sure sounds like a smart idea, and your grandpa’s an interesting man. How’s his new guide dog working out?”

“Bo’s amazing; he’s working out great.”

“Well, Nate, I’ll see you next month. Betty can make that appointment for you as you leave.”

Nate left the doctor’s office and made his way just down the block to the small coffee shop on the corner where his grandfather had insisted Nate join him for lunch after his eye appointment. As he walked in the coffee shop door, his grandfather greeted him. “Hi Nate. So how’d it go?”

“Well, Gramps, not so good. Seems I’m not going to be seeing too much longer, so I’ve got to know. What did you mean about ‘gathering all the light I can?’”

“Well Nate, it’s like this. Darkness comes to all of us. Some sooner, some later. Different kinds of darkness too – some physical, some mental. You get the picture. But, when you gather real light, you’re gonna be able to see everything that’s important, everything that really matters, whether the eyes in your head are working or not.”

"What kind of light do I need to gather? I'm confused."
Grandfather laughed, a rich, deep chuckle. "Everything here is very temporary, Nate. What you see, what you hear, all of it. Think about the last meal you ate – I know about those great breakfasts your dad loves to cook! So where is it now? How long did it last?"

Nate laughed with Gramps. “Now there’s a gross thought!”

“Agreed. But think about it. Can’t you just taste how good that bacon was? How amazing those waffles were?”

“Oh yeah; in a heartbeat I can!”

“Well,” Grandpa got serious. “You can choose. You can let the darkness overtake you and do you in. Or, you can depend on the light inside you. God put that light there, and nothing’s going to dim that light. Nothing. You’re going to see everything you need to see, everything important, everything that’s forever. And with that kind of sight, your physical eyes won’t matter that much. You’re going to be a fine man, Nate, and I’m so very proud of you.”

Hear these words of Jesus: “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” (John 12:35-36a)

Nate lost his sight a lot faster than the doctors predicted. Within three months, he was totally blind – at least his physical eyes were.

With his grandfather’s help and mentoring, Nate kept gathering light – enough to see everything he needed to, and more. The light Grandpa showed him was definitely unquenchable!