21 October

The Lamp In The Window: Expectation As Joy

by Jon Katz

It was Maria’s idea to put a lamp in the window, in the front of the farmhouse. She said she thought it was good to offer a light to the world, a sign of warmth and community, so people riding down the dark road would see a light and perhaps feel some warmth, even joy.

I thought was a wonderful idea, typical of Maria’s love and empathy, thinking of the people driving down the long, dark highway that lies in front of our house.

It is expectation itself that brings new joy to our lives, I think, we are the only species on the earth whose expectations can bring joy and hope.

“You are sad now,” Jesus told his followers, “but I shall see you again, and your hearts will be full of joy.”

People without hope in the future cannot possibly live creatively or peacefully in the present.  Those who expect joy to come out of sadness, and light from darkness can find the beginnings of a new life right in the center of their world.

This, I think, is our hope here at the farm, a small, soft light to the world.

In is in this hope of expectation, I think, that we moved some furniture around and put a table in front of the window and a lamp on the table. Light out of darkness, the expectation of joy. One day at a time, one step at a time.

9 Comments

  1. I think that is lovely. I used to love to drive up to my childhood home and see my mom standing in the warm light of the kitchen window. I miss her every day.

  2. In most places I have lived I always had a lamp in the window. A light to offer hope to souls passing by. This was so beautiful to hear you are doing this.

  3. I remember as a child driving from Wyoming to Colorado to visit my grandmother!!
    We drove thru a lot of farm country and I saw a lot of homes with lights in the window!!
    It was, as you said, such a feeling of comfort and warmth!! My son always says as he leaves,
    “ leave a light in the window as I will return “.

    Thank you for such a peaceful and warm message!! We all need a light in the window!!
    It is quiet
    and heartwarming .

  4. Absolutely. Darkened windows elicit instinctive sadness in me…I guess because the house looks so lonely, wishing for it’s people…and a lamp in the window brings a smile to my heart… either “my people are home” or “they’ll be home soon”!

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