As students, we navigate many challenges, but some struggles remain hidden in the shadows. This occurs mainly because we are afraid to be sensed or perceived. For me, this feeling is amplified by my biggest fear: the dark. I’ve always been uneasy with darkness because there is no light, whether that be taken literally or in view of no spiritual light. How fortunate I am, to be afraid of both takes.
Before I go to bed, I make sure there is at least some source of light protecting my peace. If not, I will not be able to sleep untroubled. This fear of the dark started when I was younger, like many other kids. I heard spooky stories throughout the day and felt like it was right beside me once the sun went down. I wouldn’t dare get up while sleeping to use the bathroom if the lights were off. My parents thought this was just a phase, and I’ve recently been overcoming it, so maybe it is. Me, a scaredy cat? Maybe, but cut me some slack. This was hard to admit at my grown age, but I am most definitely not the only one who is fearful of this.
This isn’t the only kind of darkness I’m afraid of, though. In the world we live in, there are so many places that lack spiritual light, which scares me. In other words, places where we live apart from God. I know several students who go through the same, but are too afraid to speak about it. So, I speak for myself and others. Living for the world is scary because you learn ignorance and live with a lack of guidance. We get lost and need to be found, even if we don’t want to be. When I’m lost, I give up. I don’t keep going; I just wait for someone to find me. What I’ve realized recently, though, is that you have to open your heart to see the light. God may be giving you all the signs you need, but you are ignoring them because you’re too far in.
Find your light, no matter what that may be, because what’s in the dark is far scarier than simply just the dark.
