Beginning of the book

[Rebecca]

What are your thoughts so far on the book?

[Don]

I'm about 50 pages in and like it so far. I like the two main characters and want to see how they work their story out. I like the lighthouse setting and images of light and stability represented. I am intrigued by the way people in the story are broken mostly as a result of WWI.

[Heidi]

Just read the first few chapters. I wasn't sure if we were supposed to start posting this week or next. Ignore the rest of this post if it's too early.

I'm intrigued by the line Tom says to the woman on the boat, "Being over there changes a man. Right and wrong don't look so different anymore to some." I wonder if this idea will come into play between he and Isabel concerning the baby.

And it made me think, do our life events change what we believe to be right and wrong? As a Christian are there some things that are always wrong, no matter the circumstances?

[Don]

I think right and wrong are going to be the theme of the book. How do we know what is right and wrong? Everything I read about WWI indicates it had a devastating effect on those involved. I was intrigued by the opening line "on the day of the miracle." What do we consider a miracle? Has anyone had an event in their life they considered a miracle? The birth of a child- and in the story the gift of a child- probably is the closest thing in my experience that seemed like a miracle.

[Rebecca]

I have been thinking of Heidi's questions a lot the past few days. Different situations and events shape the way we view events at different times in our lives. I think one can have a different view point on the same situation throughout different life stages good or bad. As Christians we need to be somewhat flexible with life changes, but looking to God and the bible for guidance.

Birth is an amazing miracle. I think also an amazing miracle is how you see family in your children. My mother passed away 6 years ago and I see her in my middle son on a daily basis.

[Don]

I think the image of the light house also looks for a constant in the world of change. It seems like Tom wants to retreat from the world of the war and be part of sending a light to the distressed without actually having to interact with them. How do you deal with loss and grief? I admit my natural tendency is to pull back and retreat.

[Don]

Pg.32- "Then, a moment's stillness. Not silence, the waves still shattered on the rocks, the wind screeched around his ears, and a loose door on one of the storage sheds banged a disgruntled drumbeat. But something inside Tom was still for the first time in years." I've read some things about meeting God in stillness and solitude in the past couple of years. "Be still and know I am God." How hard it is to find stillness before God in our time!

[Heidi]

I've been thinking a lot about the miracle question. It was really hard me to come up with an example, even knowing there are many present in my life...(love, having a child). I think I wait to feel things too much. There is a difference between KNOWING God is present and waiting to FEEL his presence. I'm not sure the latter is a good thing.

[Don]

Yes, I know what you are saying. I guess we try to bring all of ourselves to our faith, thoughts, feelings, actions. There are lots of ups and downs with that but there are ups and downs with all relationships, with everything in life. Tom tries to find peace on the lights, with Isabel but his life can't remain so straightforward and his choices can't satisfy everyone.

[Rebecca]

Don's sermon also touched on faith today and knowing his presence. I understand what Heidi is saying and I often feel the same. I agree that Tom has peace with the lights. Isabel is hoping to find peace by having children at Janis.

[Don]

What is it about children that we find peace through them?