A Men’s Retreat in Vulcan, Alberta
I was at a men’s retreat in Vulcan, Alberta. It was a great weekend, in a rustic setting, with no en suite bath.
I am 75 years old, and my bladder capacity is not what it used to be. I got up in the middle of the night; I had to walk outside because the bathroom was in another building. It was pitch black. All I had was a flashlight to see the ground, and a sliver of light from the bathroom to guide me.
The path was unfamiliar; I did not know if there were obstacles or hollows that might cause me to bruise a shin or sprain an ankle.
A Small Circle of Light Was Enough
My flashlight cast a small circle of light, about two or three feet ahead of me. That was all the ground I could see.
However, that was enough.
As I walked, the circle of light moved with me. More was revealed with each step.
- I did not need to see the whole path.
- I only needed enough light for the next few steps.
- The distant sliver of light was enough to keep me oriented.
I arrived safely and returned without incident, only guided by the circle of light. And the sliver of light from the bathroom window was enough to steer me right.
What This Taught Me About Living in God’s Will
The next morning, in my meditation, the night walk came to mind.
I thought, “Living in alignment with God’s will is a lot like walking in the dark on an unknown surface with only a dim sense of where I am going.”
I don’t see the route or destination. I can only see a few steps ahead. However, the circle of sight moves with me as I walk. I cannot see the destination; at best, I notice a sliver of insight, indicating the general direction.
It was a great meditation.
For once, I was grateful for my 75-year-old bladder; it made me get up for a walk in the dark and gain this insight.
Key Reflection
- Faith does not always reveal the full path.
- Guidance often comes one step at a time.
- A small light can be enough when we keep walking.
- Even inconvenience can become a doorway to spiritual insight.
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FAQ
What is the main message of this article?
The main message is that God often gives us enough guidance for the next step, not the whole journey.
What does the flashlight symbolize?
The flashlight symbolizes limited but sufficient guidance for daily living and spiritual growth.
What does the distant light represent?
It represents a general sense of direction or spiritual insight, even when the final destination is unclear.
Why is the story set at a men’s retreat?
The retreat setting provides the quiet, simplicity, and reflection that made the spiritual lesson more noticeable.
How does this article connect faith and uncertainty?
It shows that uncertainty does not mean God is absent. It often means we are being asked to trust Him step by step.
Why mention age in the story?
The reference to being 75 adds honesty, humility, and warmth, while showing how insight can arise from ordinary limitations.
Is this article a devotional or a personal story?
It is both. It begins as a personal experience and becomes a devotional reflection.
Who is this article for?
It is for Christians, spiritual seekers, older adults, and anyone learning to trust God in uncertain seasons.
What Bible theme fits this article best?
The strongest theme is walking by faith rather than by sight.
How can readers apply this lesson?
Readers can focus on the next faithful step instead of waiting for full clarity about the future.
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