I was placing a load of washed laundry in the dryer last Friday when, to my disappointment, I found the dryer light bulb had burned out. I told my wife I would replace the lightbulb the following Saturday morning.

Replacing this lightbulb was not as easy a task as I had remembered.  I had to work in very tight quarters, unscrewing a covered plastic plate, and then, finally, switching the bulbs. The most difficult part was accessing the location of the bulb mechanism within the dryer drum. I had to lie on my back and reach into the drum space to get everything done. Maybe it was my old age and lack of flexibility, or maybe it was simply the location of the bulb, but it took longer for me to get the job done than I had thought it would.

When you open a dryer without a functioning light, you'll find that it is dark inside, and it is surprisingly difficult to see the clothing. In fact, I found myself thinking that light was a gift that I had never appreciated. Sometimes the gifts we receive in life are like that. This made me think about the nonchalance we may show Jesus at times. Jesus, who is, the Light of the World often goes unnoticed in our daily lives. 

Light helps us see things. Light guides us as we travel or move or work. As noted in a recent article printed online by the Loyola Press (author unknown), “...light has many functions that parallel with the ways Jesus helps us. Light helps us see things. Jesus gives us the truth about God and life, our origin, and our destiny. Light guides us as we travel. Jesus guides us safely through life to our heavenly home. Light promotes growth and life. Jesus brings us everlasting life. Light warms and comforts. Jesus welcomes us and calms us. Life prevents crime. Jesus is goodness itself. Light dispels darkness, which stands for evil. Jesus pierces the darkness of sin and death and conquers them. All the darkness in the world cannot put out one candle flame. Jesus cannot be overcome by evil”. 

I did not know that the simple replacing of a burned-out dryer lightbulb would remind me about how much we are loved by Jesus, and how much His light illuminates our paths. 

By Deacon Tom Gryzbek