Friday, October 5, 2012

Lighthouses

I just love lighthouses, don't you? When I was in college I spent one summer working at a camp on Oak Island. I spent every night of that summer in a room in an old building that served as the barracks for Ft. Caswell, a fort dating back to the Civil War. The warm ocean breeze lulled me to sleep every night, as did the constant flashing of the Oak Island Lighthouse. With four flashes followed by six seconds of darkness, its consistency became a rather soothing presence in an otherwise dark room.






Since 1958 this lighthouse has been guiding ships safely through the night off the shores of North Carolina.






Even though I have been vacationing on Oak Island for over 20 years, I had never climbed to the top of the lighthouse until this summer. My lovely daughter, Catie, volunteered as a tour guide while working a summer job as a waitress on the island. This gave me the perfect excuse to visit. (Isn't she one of the prettiest guides you have ever seen?)






The climb to the top was not an easy one. The lighthouse has 131 ship's ladder steps making the trip to the top quite laborious. However, the view at the end of the journey is well worth the labor.






It was a little overcast on the day that I visited, however, Catie said that on a clear day one could see all the way to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina.






Although the view of the vast ocean is amazing; I love the view of the intercoastal waterway and the marsh surrounding it.






After my visit to the lighthouse I was thinking about why I am so drawn to this structure. It finally dawned on me that, in a world where nothing ever stays the same, this lighthouse continues to give the same guidance that it has for many years. The same consistent four flashes and six second darkness that eased me to sleep every night over twenty years ago still continues today. Thankfully, I serve a God who is consistent in a world that is continuously changing.


Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

12 comments:

myletterstoemily said...

i do love lighthouses and have climbed
to the top of a few. your photos are
just lovely.

Joan Elizabeth said...

The shots from the top are wonderful ... good on you for making the big climb.

Anonymous said...

Such an incredible view - well worth the climb!
Hope you're enjoying a great weekend!
Hugs,
Zuzu

Carol said...

Enjoyed this post. Thanks for the reminder-Jesus never changes! Have a great week! Carol

Skeeter said...

I love lighthouses too! I have a dream that during retirement, we rent or purchase a RV and go on a trek across country visiting light houses. I wonder just how many we have in this country? Would be a fun thing to see the many different styles and places....

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

What beautiful views from up top the lighthouse.

The scripture verse you shared is such a good one.

I'm so glad God never changes, he has been my strength more than ever since 9 Dec. 2012 when I my dear husband when to be with Him.

Thank you for visiting my blog today and your kind comment.

FlowerLady

ZielonaMila said...

Fantastic photos, fantastic views:) Greetings

myletterstoemily said...

hi carla!

i just saw your note at my place. for some
reason i'm not always notified. who knows
why, but you are welcome to borrow my
green shoes any time!

how's your little musician? ours are all over
the country playing in fun places like "the
house of blues." they are a LOT older than
carson. :)

White Lace and Promises said...

I do love a lighthouse, but these bad knees just can't make that journey anymore!

Yes, your daughter is a beauty!

I do want to visit the coast of NC. I love reading Nicholas Sparks. I'll get there one day.

Bonnie

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Dear Carla ~ Thank you for visiting my blog and for your prayers.

I do hope you are doing well, didn't see an email addy so am leaving this comment here.

Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

Babs said...

Lighthouses are so interesting and have a wonderful history of saving lives, but I'm sorry to say I've never visited one, except at a distance, or on a tv program. I should put that on my bucket list. :) Thanks for sharing your photos.

Donna said...

What a lovely post - and your daughter is beautiful! Gorgeous views. So glad you enjoyed my bluebird post!
Donna