The Gay Head Lighthouse in Aquinnah on the westernmost tip of Martha’s Vineyard is being moved inland. The historic lighthouse, which has stood on its present spot since 1856, is in danger of falling into the sea as the cliffs to its north and west are eroding.

By the experts' estimate, the move will keep the Lighthouse safe from the eroding cliffs for at least 140 years. On the one hand, that’s a long time. On the other hand, the whole thing with moving the lighthouse reveals -- yet again -- that Mother Nature rules. We are just biding our limited amount of time while the forces around us have a very different -- and much longer -- perspective.

The move will bring the light a little closer to the window of the bed and breakfast that we visit every summer and I wonder whether the light will be more distracting being about 100 feet closer and keep me up at night. With respect to the Gay Head Lighthouse, I’ll keep my concern in perspective -- worrying about the beacon keeping me up at night is about as far as I’ll go.