I do not like darkness any more than anyone else. But I find that my concept of darkness has changed over the years. Like most, I too have felt anxious and confused when darkness came. But these periods without light or answers have taught me many things, and I have come to realize that darkness can sometimes be a time of peace and quiet, a time for inner growth and enlightenment. I used to fear darkness, and believe that when one truly loves God, one no longer experiences darkness. I no longer agree.
A sermon for Christmas by Abbot Paul mentions how the most important events in the history of Judeo/Christian religion happened in darkness: the creation of the world, the birth of Jesus, and the death of Jesus.
Think about it. Even in our own lives, we can think of good things that happen in the darkness of night: restful sleep, rejuvenation, growth. A child is in darkness for 9 months as it is prepared to experience light and air. Seeds often need a dormancy period before they have the energy to sprout and grow. Darkness need not be a sad thing.
Perhaps darkness really symbolizes a time when we enter into a state of wonder, when we are offered the opportunity to gaze up at the stars and moon and look for light. Perhaps darkness is our time of gestation, when we grow and nurture our soul.
And as much as I dislike darkness, I choose to remember the good things it can bring me. With that, I can hope again for light.
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