Step Into Darkness

In early hours before sun rays cast shadows, she waltzes into my bedroom. Without saying a word, I can hear vibrant footsteps and newfound energy. The invitation to cuddle, falling back asleep before morning rush, is not welcomed.

“I’m awake, Mommy. I want to stay awake.”

With groggy eyes barely able to open, I send her off to do what pleases her, offering a few suggestions to color or read a book.

Again, my invitations are not persuasive enough.

She wants to watch TV downstairs. My lack of response and tired body rolls over to inhale a few more deep breaths. I muster up words, “Okay, go” and beg my body to return to oblivious state.

She’s standing at the top of the stairs. I hear her outside bedroom walls. Contemplating, waiting, wondering. As I listen to her silence, I wonder if she’ll go by herself. House mysteriously grows hollow and haunted at these hours. Safety and security is always found nestled between mom and dad, even when they slumber unaware. Will she turn back?

“Being in the dark is my greatest fear!” she shouts to herself, hoping we might catch a beat. “But I’m so glad Heaven won’t have any fear.”

With that, she steps into darkness as feet plunge pitter patter down the stairs.

A few brief moments of rustling morph into cartoon scenes and high pitched voices. I fall fast asleep.

As my groggy eyes blur to darkness, her kingdom eyes bring clarity and light.

She faces fears today because she knows the security of tomorrow.

He holds her in the darkest of days.

This childlike faith welcomed by Jesus is active. She runs straight into darkness, tuned into what’s on the other side. A bright, happy scene filled with vibrant colors, laughter and joy.

She faces her greatest fear, knowing joy is a few steps away.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” 2 Corinthians 4:17

Like my six-year old, I’m challenged to rest in the hope of Heaven to help me face my greatest fears and difficulties of today.