A city on a Hill

Matthew 5:14   A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

The first time I had tried, I was not successful. I was half way there and then had to return. It was the middle of monsoon and the thick fog as well as the incessant rains had made it impossible for me to reach there.

When I finally reached, I was awe stuck by its beauty. The hills, they never fail to mesmerise me. The winding road from the valley airport took us up the hill. There is was, clad with long furling gowns of greenery, studded with its little houses and crowned with the clouds...the city of Aizwal.

I was there with a distinct purpose. I was there looking for a living light, a light of joy, a light of victory. I had been told that Aizwal had such a light.

But, to my surprise, it had many. Lights, that glowed and showed the way. Living lights shining to dispel the darkness away. Lives that had been lit, and now were the lights of the city. A hill city of lights, that could not be hid.

Four lights of the hill city, in particular, impacted my life.

The first was the quiet light. A light demure and unassuming, yet a constant light. The light that was always there during our stay. It was this light that had brought us the first tidings of the city and visited us at home. It was this light which continued to give us companionship, in big things and small. Way beyond the call of duty, beyond expectations and yet reliable. In its subtle way this light touched our lives.

The second light was a blazing torch. At first glance, one would underestimate its intensity. It looked small and lean, robbed of any frills, flashiness and show. A no-nonsense kind of light.Yet, it stood as a beacon. It was this light that lit other lights and persuaded them to glow on. This light had a home of many small lights; and I was told the light I was searching for, had first found shelter in this home. This light gave us the confidence that no matter how deep the darkness, a light well lit can always conquer it.

The next was an unexpected light. It had been in my city before. I had noticed it but my own hectic life had given me few opportunities to be by this light. Yet, there in its own city, I could trace it and find it. Being of the same trade, there were many things I could relate with this light. However, for those who practice our trade, there is a fair amount of haughtiness and pride that comes along. Little everyday courtesies get lost somehow and "busy"ness becomes a fair excuse for all. Because of my own short stay in Aizwal, I had to make the most mundane yet troublesome request to this light; but the shadow of doubt loomed large over the possibility of its fulfilment! I was to be taken for a very pleasant surprise. I was to be reminded that light pierces the deepest tunnels and bends around the sharpest corners. This lowly but difficult request had been complied with excellence. The Light had shown its true characteristics.

The final light was the light I got to bring home. It is yet small. Yet, its gives us an immense sense of pleasure and joy. It shines in our home today....and I hope someday my home will also be...a house of light on the hill!