An ominous first happened on our trip abroad to Portugal. It was the final night of our whirlwind self-guided countrywide tour. We explored north, south, east and west; leaving almost no corner of this country unexplored.

Our entire trip there was one unanswered question: where would we spend our final night? It was one of the only unplanned items on our itinerary. The only prerequisite, it had to be within driving distance of the airport. We literally made our hotel reservations the night before. Talk about last minute!

This town felt like the Beverly Hills of Portugal. It is the place to go and a place to be seen.

Ironically in this well-to-do sleepy coastal town, looks can be deceiving. That night we ended up at a swanky dinner spot, how many restaurants do you go to that have a faux gold stairs? This town, like this restaurant, appeared to be all flash and no substance. It seemed fitting to have our last meal here. As a rule, we try to hard to avoid the tourist trap eateries, but tonight we walked right into one.  The bright spot, we had a sensational view, arguably one of the best of our trip.

We had just finished our meal when the lights went out; literally.  But not just in the restaurant; the entire town went black.  So much for having the most expensive real estate in the country if you can’t even keep the lights on? Am I right?

We weren’t in the pitch dark as the table lights stayed on. Hmmmm… maybe this has happened a time or two or three or more? Next, I, of course, started to think of all the things you need power for. How much charge did my cell phone have? Will I have to take a cold shower? We need to make sure we have an alarm to catch our morning flight. I had plenty of time to ruminate because we were in the dark for almost 30 minutes. Impressive!

Looking out into the town darkness, there was one thing lit up; the castle. As you can imagine, this lit up castle stood out amongst the pitch black. Since we had been their earlier in the day, I had to ponder; why?  Why this castle? 

The outside of the castle was impressive, as all ancient things are. But when you go inside you are soon= disappointed as it was semi-commercialized. This commercialization greatly detracted from the ancient landmark. This seemed to be the theme of the Beverly Hills of Portugal.  

Of course there is only one Bible verse that comes to mind when I think of this unique lights out experience.

“You are the light of the world.

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp and put I under a bowl.

Instead they put it on its stand, and gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew5:14-16 NIV

Mamas, in a black out, what would be lit up in your life? If darkness snuffed out everything what would shine in your core? What is your ‘town on the hill’?

What would people see?  Pride, Greed, Anger, Envy, Lust, Gluttony, Laziness?   

Or is all that sin covered up because you have given your heart to Jesus? Would the world see your love and goodness brighter than your things done in the dark?

Mamas, are you prepared for Lights Out?