To see the bigger picture you need to be at the top and to get to the top you need time to climb. – Joe Rodriguez

Unlike skyscrapers and high risers which, by definition, are “continuously habitable buildings that are taller than 150 m (492 ft),” a lighthouse can be as small as 3 m (11 feet) and as tall as 133 m (436 ft). It just needs to be tall enough or set on a place where its light can be seen by mariners so they can be guided or warned of the impending danger.

The unobstructed 360° panoramic view from a lighthouse’s lantern room is breathtaking. There are hundreds of historic lighthouses around the world that offer magnificent views of both land and sea.  Many of them have only a few, if any, small windows for lighting and ventilation purposes. These windows allow just a very limited aerial view so, in order to appreciate the bigger picture, you have to climb to the lantern room located at the very top.

If you haven’t already, one day you may have the opportunity to look out the lantern room of your life and see how God was able to use every situation, both good and bad, to help you mature emotionally and spiritually. Not that you will ever stop growing and learning, but you’ll be able to see how your attitude, your desires, and your motivations all changed to help you conform more to the image of Christ. Notice that I said “one day.” To get to the lantern room you will have to climb the staircase of life, and that will definitely take many years. It will also require a lot of sacrifice and perseverance. Plus, it will not happen without you making some mistakes (missteps) along the way. And even when you make it to the top, the view may not be immediately clear. It may be blurred by the remnants of past storms (trials). Nevertheless, you will get there if it’s God’s will and the clouds will eventually give way to sunshine. Then you will be able to thank God for every joyful experience, every successful endeavor, and every battle won. But you will also thank Him for every disappointing moment, every painful trial, and every scar you received as a result of your many falls. All these things will eventually reveal the “bigger picture” of God’s perfect plan for your life.

So, don’t give up climbing. It will be amazing when you get to the top and see how God brings it all together for His glory and praise. Let the expectancy of reaching the lantern room of life be your greatest motivation to keep climbing no matter how long it takes, the challenges you face, and the mistakes you make along the way. Just remember, to see the bigger picture you need to be at the top and to get to the top you’ll need time to climb.

Prayer: Patient and loving Father, strengthen my resolve to climb up the ladder of life. Allow me to reach that place where I can look back and thank you for everything, both good and bad. I am encouraged by your word which tells me that all things work for my good according to your purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. 

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. -2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. -Hebrews 10:36 (ESV)

Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand. – Psalm 37:24 (ESV)

I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: My plan will take place, and I will do all My will. Isaiah 46:10 (NLT)

 -All Scripture is quoted from the NIV except where specified.