A couple of weeks ago, I traveled to Lexington, KY, to pick up my son, Chris, who had just finished his first year at the University of Kentucky. As usual, I took a short detour to make the long drive more enjoyable. This time, I explored the Blue Ridge Tunnel trail near Waynesboro, Virginia, just off I-64. Because the weather forecast predicted cloudy skies with possible showers, I was confident I could still enjoy the tunnel even if it rained.

The rail trail passes through a 4,700-foot tunnel bored through the Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia, originally constructed between 1850 and 1858. Spanning nearly a mile, it was the longest tunnel in America at the time of its completion. It was dug by hand, without explosives, and about 200 people died, most of them Irishmen or slaves, during its construction.

Despite intermittent rain, the day was mostly misty as I hiked half a mile to the tunnel. I easily reached the tunnel and entered the darkness. A woman attempted to walk her dog into the tunnel, but after a short distance, the dog refused to go further, and she had to turn back. A group of four men also walked through the tunnel but turned back halfway, seemingly unwilling to continue.

I had my flashlight, but once I switched it off, I was plunged into complete darkness. Behind me, the tunnel entrance glowed faintly, while ahead, a tiny pinprick of light marked the exit. Even in total darkness, the distant light remained visible, echoing Isaiah and Matthew 4:12: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”

I had never truly experienced being immersed in darkness; the only escape was to move toward the light. As I approached the exit, I turned off my flashlight again and let the light at the tunnel’s end guide me. This experience mirrors life without Jesus. Our world is shrouded in darkness, and the only visible light is our Savior. The only way to escape darkness is to move toward that light. The path isn’t easy, and we must be vigilant, avoiding distractions and pitfalls along the way. If we focus on that light, it will draw nearer and become brighter until we reach the exit, where it will surround us. I recall Jesus’ words in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Thank you, God, for giving us your son, Jesus, to be our light in this dark world! Please help us share your light with those around us!

Take care,

Bill R.