my first lighthouse
Once again my family visited Hilton Head Island, SC. I have been going there once each year since I was about 5 years old. During the week we always visit Harbor Town - to ride bikes, to eat ice cream, to ride the trolley, and to climb the lighthouse, which is perhaps the most famous landmark on Hilton Head. When I talk about lighthouses and picture what they are and do, I picture the lighthouse in Harbor Town on Hilton Head. The lighthouse has become a significant emblem for me (and hopefully the congregation) of our calling as followers of Jesus Christ. Each time I see a lighthouse, I am reminded again of the many important functions of a lighthouse, and some of the particular ones of THAT lighthouse in Harbor Town.
- Is not the light, but houses the light.
- Guides those at sea with the light it houses - at night, in storms, and even in daylight.
- Warns ships away from land where they might ground and be damaged.
- Welcomes ships into safe harbor, where they might rest, refuel, restock, and go out again.
- Functions as a landmark, not only literally, but in the common sense of the word - something people come to see, experience, and participate in (we got stickers for climbing the 114 stairs after all).
- In an extension of being a landmark, it becomes something to talk about and tell others ("We climbed the HH lighthouse!")