I have a father who’s great at fixing things. My dad often repaired a light or faucet or replaced a broken or failed car part during my childhood.
During these projects, he told me, “You hold the flashlight.”
“Yes,” I’d say, excited to be included in any project that involved working with my dad. With tools in hand, I’d follow Dad to whatever was broken. Sometimes the repair was electrical, requiring the power to be off and the house to be dark. Sometimes the repair was high in the ceiling or low behind a refrigerator or other appliance. Most of the time, the repair required me to hold the light with my arms fully extended over my head.
Car repairs called for me to balance on the front bumper while shining the light under the hood and down into the engine’s belly.
My favorite time was crawling on our backs under the car to shine the light into the wires and mechanical guts.
My dad clearly defined my job; my job was to hold the light.
Early in my light-holding career, I eventually, either from being off-balance, arms aching, or my mind wandering in a daydream, would let the beam of light drift from its intended target. My dad would say, “Hey, over here,” and I would refocus and again shine the light onto the job.
My job hasn’t changed a whole lot as I’ve grown up. I’m older now, but you can find me holding the light as my dad works on projects in my house or his, my car or his. It’s funny. I always assumed I’d take over doing the actual work as I grew up and Dad would hold the light. I’ve learned it doesn’t work that way.
I’ve learned a lot of things while holding the light:
- I’ve learned about the job at hand. I can repair quite a few things in my house because I’ve seen the tasks completed. More importantly, I’ve learned about patience and persistence.
- I’ve learned that sometimes when your arms hurt and your attention drifts, it’s time to refocus on the task and keep working.
- I’ve learned about my dad and how great and solid and good his character is. Like when my dad worked late into the evening while it was snowing, lying on cold concrete to help a friend get his car working so he could make it to his job the next day. I’ve learned a lot while holding the light.
Recently I moved into a new house, and it was dark. I realized there was a broken light fixture, and I knew how to fix this because I had learned this repair while holding the light.
I felt a surge of emotion as I looked at my daughter and said, “You hold the flashlight.”
She wasn’t very good at it. I couldn’t help but think my dad must have felt the same about me the first time I held the light for him.
It seems you never stop learning from your dad.
I started the lesson with my little girl, and I couldn’t help but smile as I said to her for the first time, “Hey, over here.”
OUR JOB IS TO HOLD THE LIGHT.
The more we follow the Father, the more he reminds us that our job is holding the light. We think our job is to make repairs to ourselves and those around us, but this isn’t the case. As we hold the light, we learn the responsibility of repairs remains with the Father.
- God does the work.
- God does the changing.
- God does the fixing.
- Our job is holding the light, not making the repair.
Do you have people in your life you’ve been trying to fix? Maybe you have things about yourself you are wanting to fix. Self-improvement is a good and worthy goal, but the more we hold the light, the more we learn that God is the one who does the work of improving us.
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 MSG
Question: During your growth as a writer, speaker, leader, or even as a maturing Christian, who “held the light” for you and what is the major contribution that person made to your life?
About Bryan Crum
Bryan Crum grew up in a military family and has lived all over the world. He has a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies, an MBA from ITT Technical Institute, and certifications from Harvard University in bioethics and world health. The most important things Crum learned about life, regret, and the power of love came while, sitting at the bedside of dying people. He resides in Sunbury, Ohio. Find thought provoking, practical ways to put doubt on a diet in his book Neighbor, Love Yourself–Discovering Your Worth, Living Your Value. On sale now at https://www.neighborloveyourself.com/
Thanks Bryan. I wrote a similar devotion – with a similar experience and revelation. Your words remind me that sometimes the only thing we need to do it is ‘shine His light’ into the darkness. It feels like such an unimportant job for the work at hand, but as my father would say, “Can you please just shine where I’m working? Thank you.” We are called to be His light – first and foremost. And sometimes be His hands and feet. Thank you for reminding me of that today.
Thank you for this outstanding blog, Bryan! You reminded each one of us to “hold the light” for others. The poignant personal illustration of your experience with your father resonated deeply with me. Congratulations on your literary achievements! It’s a privilege to have you as a guest blogger in our Speak Up community.
SOOO GOOD AND TRUE! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Bryan Crum. I wrote something similar for my work in progress. My earthly daddy was an electrical contractor. I remember holding the light for him a few times myself.
God does the work, indeed. I find the more I love the younger ones who attend my church, live in my community, or attend Speak Up, the more His light shines.
Love & Prayers,
Yvonne Ortega
http://www.YvonneOrtega.com