Here you can Cape Disappointment Light, perched high on a bluff overlooking where the Columbia River empties into the Pacific Ocean. This area is known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific” because there have been so many shipwrecks here! The ever-shifting sand bars in this area are treacherous! Crossing the Columbia River bar to get out into the ocean, or to come in from the ocean is very dangerous … especially during stormy weather.
Cape Disappointment Light stands high on a bluff warning of danger! In the same way, this is what love does!
Oftentimes we are “blind” to our own weaknesses in life. We simply can’t see them. Love warns us of those things in our life which have the potential of “shipwrecking” our life. Love “shines a light” on those hidden dangers submerged beneath the surface … areas in our life which are “sandbars” which we might “run aground” on.
Love warns! Those who love us warns us of danger! Because they care about us!
In my own life, I am the person I am today because love in my life alerted me to things in my life which I couldn’t see. Love warned me of character flaws which could have “shipwrecked” my life. Love helped me navigate down a safer path. This is what love does. Love warns. Love warns of danger.
When it comes to our kids, they don’t like to be warned. They don’t want to be told what to do. They would rather blaze full-throttle ahead into the adrenaline-rush of the choppy seas! Nevertheless, love warns! Steadfast, rock solid, love stands on the bluff warning of hidden dangers. Love warns of “submerged sandbars” which could sabotage. This is what love does!
And when “shipwreck” happens … as it sometimes does … love gets in the Coast Guard rescue boat and goes out into the storm! With wind and rain whipping the face, love braves the swells to throw out a lifeline! Love reaches out a hand! Love brings our precious someone back to shore. This is what love does!
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
“The pleasantness of one’s friend springs from their earnest counsel.” – Proverbs 27:9
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted.” – Proverbs 27:5-6
“Rebuke a discerning person and they will gain knowledge.” – Proverbs 19:25
“He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.” – Proverbs 28:23
