Photo and Commentary ©2025 by Russell Jurgensen
Thursday, January 9, 2025
A loud crackling buzzing sound emanated from inside our well house while I was working near it. I opened the door and found that a hanging barn lamp that also operates as a heater for the water tank in freezing weather, was smoking. This light also comes on whenever the main light is turned on where I was working. I quickly turned off the light switch and examined the lamp. The innards were charred black.
The lamp appears to be from the 1950’s, and it seemed like that was the end of the road for this lamp. A toothbrush with soap didn’t seem to do anything to clean it up. A wire brush turned out to be just what was needed.
In the picture the difference can be seen between a charred piece and a piece that has been brushed. The lamp is now back together with clean parts and updated wiring. The lamp is now mounted with a strong metal pipe holding it up instead of an old string. The second picture is included to show the final lamp. Hopefully it will last another 75 years. I’m planning to give it regular inspections to make sure it is working properly.
Seeing the difference between the old and new parts made me think about how sin can char our lives. However, we have hope because God’s forgiveness gives renewal. After close inspection it appears the wire brush left grooves and there are still tiny bits of carbon that are embedded. While on this Earth we can’t avoid scars left from the problems we experience. But we can have functional and loving lives through Jesus.