OMG. . .In So Many Ways

Light in the Darkness

There is a light in us that only darkness itself can illuminate. It is the glowing calm that comes over us when we finally surrender to the ultimate truth of creation: that there is a God and we are not it….The light we gain in darkness is the awareness that, however bleak the place of darkness was for us, we did not die there. We know now that life begins again on the other side of the darkness. Another life. A new life. After the death, the loss, the rejection, the failure, life does go on. Differently, but on.

Sister Joan Chittister

Two truths.  They knock on my door.  Invited or not.  I rarely open the door of my own volition.  I am not a fan of the darkness.  Quietude yes.  Darkness no.

OMG. . .In So Many Ways.

I’ve been reading a lot about this dark night lately.  Why have all my meditations drawn me down this road? Coincidence?  The Spirit?  Whichever.  Whatever.  It touches.  Even ever so gently.

But the darkness isn’t all bad.  Not a one-color fits all.  A reminder. 

Many years ago – over a decade in fact – a darkness laid over my life.  Like not being able to breathe darkness.  Like not knowing if there would be any illumination.- ever – darkness.  I could not fix it. 

OMG. . .In So Many Ways.. .  Waiting for brightness. Difficult.  Hard.  Even excruciating. 

Now – these many years later- I am vulnerable enough to acknowledge I am NOT God.  (I’m sure that is a great relief to God)   And that does not equate with a bright, sunny life. 

I am recognizing (maybe a slow learner) if I choose to surrender to God, I can also choose to

look down the road at something bright.  Beautiful.  Wondrous.   

Something which allows me to peek into the light. 

To catch a glimpse of other side.  A new life.

Perhaps my readings on darkness are a needed reminder.  I’ve been there before.  I’ll be there again. Different intensities.  Openings of light vary.  But a new light always emerges.  Different.  But an illumination that calls.  When I’m finally ready to look.  Past the darkness.  Of the night.  Of my needing to fix.  Of surrendering.

OMG. . .In So Many Ways. . .Do you know what I mean?  Have you been there?  Are you there now?

You are not alone. . .In So Many ways.

Amen!