Carrying the Light
When I was young all the cousins used to travel out to the Apex Copper mine on the side of a distant mountain. It was owned by my grandfather. For us it was a great adventure to go inside and explore back into the tunnels and see the old equipment.
There never seemed to be enough flashlights for everyone, so we were all ‘buddied up’ with another cousin or grownup. The older was always assigned to carry the light for the younger so they wouldn’t get lost in the dark. I was always disappointed. I wanted to carry the light, but no, I wasn’t old enough. If I were irresponsible, dropped the light and it broke, it would affect my ‘buddy’ also. Being in a deep tunnel was no place to take chances.
I remember being all the way back in the cave and huddling close to my buddy, and then everyone turned off their lights all at once. I’ve never experienced anything so black. I remember holding my hand in front of my face and couldn’t see a thing. It was terrifying, especially when I considered how deep inside the mountain we were and how much rock and dirt lay on top of us.
Later we made our way back to the tunnel entrance. I was fascinated as I saw the opening first as a small pinpoint of light off in the distance, and then it grew and grew and grew until the light of the opening overwhelmed the light from the flashlights and I ran out into the bright light of day feeling exultant and free.
With age and wisdom finally came the responsibility to carry the flashlight into the mine myself. I took it seriously and was careful not to drop the light of falter in any way. I knew my younger buddy was depending on me.
Throughout life we all transition between being a light follower and a light bearer. Take that responsibility seriously. Don’t let those who depend on your light get lost in the dark.
