Living in His Light

On Track

“Oh Jesus, you really are real!”
Bursting with laughter, I raced home. I yearned to open the pages of my Bible. I could hardly wait to read more about the One I had seen. Months before, He had beckoned me to walk with Him every day on the nearby railroad tracks.
At age sixteen, I found much solace after school while walking on the tracks extending past my family’s old home. Many questions about life surfaced in the quiet time. What would I spend my future doing? Did I really want to pursue nursing as I had dreamed about since age seven? Whom would I marry?
As I walked on the straight and narrow path between the tracks, I poured out my heart to Jesus. I shared about the daily struggles I experienced with school, friends, and family—the typical challenges that many teenagers face. After I sent out my prayers, I turned around to walk home. During this time, I listened to the Lord's impression on my heart. I did this day after day, even when it rained or snowed.
While walking one sunny day in March, I was praying about my familiar list. Suddenly, at a short distance from me stood a man robed in white. Surprisingly, I had no fear. Instead, I became consumed with joy! A brilliant, glowing brightness shone around Him. No details of His face were revealed to me, but without a doubt, I knew it was Jesus. His visual appearance lasted for a brief time, but I was forever changed.
None of us know what experiences each day may bring, but life’s lessons have taught me to be on the lookout for God’s presence. He reveals Himself to each of us in His own perfect way, sometimes subtly and sometimes with His shining Light. Whatever way He chooses, I know I don’t want to miss it.
If we race ahead of Him on this path of life, we may overlook those signs. Distractions may take us on a path away from God, where we miss those signs. However, if we stay in step with Him, a great adventure awaits us.