How many of us grew up using a “Night-Light?” I for one did. It was my “Lucky-Charm” in that its little glow warded off the “ghosts” and “monsters” that just might invade my wee bedroom during the dark. Of course, on the other hand, the shadows it created sometimes became those very unwanted creatures!

     In our special collection here at the archives we have a number of lamps. My favourite by far is one that once lit the second and third floor stairwell of the then RONALD RAY BOY’S HOME, later to become the LONDON (Ontario) CHILDREN’S VILLAGE. The file note actually states that it was the only illumination between these levels. Too small to sit directly on the floor, I imagine it sat on a side table of sorts. The nature of this torch also suggests to me that the bulb used would not be one of high wattage but rather more of the subtle night-light-size.

     It is designed to look like an old-fashioned street lamp – the type we associate with “Christmas Carolers” and the like. It also has two lads – one smaller than the other, both similarly dressed from an era long past, brothers perhaps, with the older pushing the younger, whose arms and legs are wrapped around the pole – up to the light! There is no obvious reason for this however, no kite or kitten trapped at the top; neither boy carries a flame to light the lamp, nor a stick to maybe borrow a spark from this source. Then again, since when do little boys require any sort of rationale for doing anything they may be up to! The junior appears to be staring off into space and has a rather fixed expression, as though he is looking at something far away, while the senior is looking up at him, smiling, and at the same time supporting his partner’s rump! Which of these roles is most like yours or mine today?

     Are you the one being held up? Pushed up perhaps?

     Or are you the one doing the pushing? Supporting the other? Encouraging them to get closer to the light?

     Oh…the “preacher” in me is getting inspired! Just think about the possibilities!

     Seeking the light!

     Finding the light!

     Sharing the light!

     Lifting others to the light!

     Encouraging others with the light!

     Carrying others to the light!

     Who remembers this chorus from Sunday school? It’s still being used today!

 

This Little Light of Mine

This Little Light of Mine

I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

 

Don't let Satan blow it out,
I'm gonna let it shine
Don't let Satan blow it out,
I'm gonna let it shine
Don't let Satan blow it out,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

Shine all over…

     “Hallelujah”!

     Do I hear an “Amen”!?

     Remember my saying how my little night-light was a “Lucky Charm?” A note with the lamp says that the boys in the home would “rub the lamp for good luck” whenever they passed it. At the very top of the lamp is the figure of an eagle, cast in gold-plated metal of some sort, with its wings spread, ready to fly.

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) reads:
³¹ But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

 

Even better than a lucky charm!