This is the Tawas Point Lighthouse. It is located on Tawas Point (formerly Ottawa Point), which lies near the northern entrance to Saginaw Bay in northern Michigan. It was first built in 1852 and later rebuilt in 1877 due to the deteriorating conditions of the keeper’s station, not to mention the shifting sands that caused the point to be extended by nearly a mile, rendering the beacon practically useless. This 70 ft. lighthouse is popular among aficionados and tourists alike. Because of its picturesque form, it is often the subject of magazine covers, calendars, and even needlepoint illustrations.

Last week, the Associated Press published an article titled, “State taking applications for Tawas Point lighthouse keepers.” Those interested in the job must pay $75 and put in 70 hours of service over a two-week period. The temporary keepers get to enjoy living in the newly renovated Keeper’s quarters which is equipped with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Their responsibilities include greeting visitors, giving information and tours, and performing routine maintenance around the lighthouse (sweeping, removing trash, cleaning bugs off windows, and other light duties). The position is available during the Spring and Summer of 2019. Imagine waking up at a lighthouse! Now that is one of my lifelong dreams. Even though this is one of those rare job opportunities that require you to pay instead of being paid, I wouldn’t hesitate to apply if I only had the days available (I already booked my vacation for next year) or if I was retired.

As lighthouses for God, we all need keeping at some point or another. Perhaps you find yourself in need of some spiritual maintenance right now. If so, don’t dismay. God has hired (called) temporary keepers to come into your life to take care of you. I am one of them. I am here to remind you of God’s faithfulness and of the promise that He will never leave you no matter the circumstances. Remember that David considered difficult, painful, and trying times as only “shadows” in the valley of death. He took comfort in knowing that in spite of having to walk through such a path, God would be right there by his side. You too can take comfort because God is also by your side. Keep in mind that in order to have a shadow you need light. God is light! And because God is light, trials are nothing but temporary shadows that will eventually disappear with the light of His glory.

Temporary keepers are those relatives, friends, and even strangers who may not necessarily be there 24/7 but appear every once in a while with a word of encouragement, a helping hand, and a shoulder to cry on. Their stay may be short term because of justifiable limitations such as distance, time, finances, or other personal responsibilities. It may cost them a little something/sacrifice but they feel you are worth it and see it as a time of blessing for both you and for them.

On the other hand, you may know of a need in someone else’s life. A need (temporary keeper’s position) that God has allowed in order to spur you and other believers into action. Your responsibilities may include helping to remove some of the “bugs” in the windows of their soul; the bugs of depression, fear, hopelessness, grief, or spiritual decadence. But they may also include physical maintenance as well, such as house cleaning, repairs, errands, etc. This means that accepting the job may cost you a little something as well. And while you may not be able to stay for long, your willingness to take on the temporary job will prove to be eternally rewarding.

We were created for fellowship, fellowship with God and with people in general. The love of God is best expressed through our actions as we set aside of our time, talents, and treasures to motivate and help one another regardless of our spiritual, secular, or physical differences. God can, has, and will use these moments to strengthen our faith and to draw lost souls unto Him. Are you willing to be a temporary keeper? Apply today!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the temporary keepers you have placed in my life. Some have come and gone rather quickly while others have stayed a little longer. Yet they have all been instrumental in my recovery, so I ask you to bless them. May your Spirit empower me to be used by you so that I too can be a keeper in the lives of those who need comfort and care. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

SCRIPTURES
And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. –1 Thessalonians 5:14 (ESV)

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. –Proverbs 12:25 (ESV)

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! –Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV)

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. –Hebrews 3:13 (ESV)

Credits
Tawa Point Lighthouse by Asher196 at English Wikipedia
State taking applications for Tawas Point lighthouse keepers. December 3 – Associated Press