Don't Be Afraid of the Dark....

We can learn a lot from the dark times in our lives.  Through the experience we can learn how to value our loved ones, how to make the most of the time we have, even how strong we can be. What good can we find in the death of someone we care about?  Well, I believe that death teaches us about the light of life.  Though we may be sad that we won't have time with our loved one through their physical presence--we can find some peace in knowing they are no longer bound by whatever pain or suffering or struggles that may have filled their life.  We can even gain strength ourselves to think of our experience with them as part of the purpose for our own lives.  Did our time with them teach us about love?  Did it teach us about our own value?  Were we enriched by our time with them?  Did we learn to give more, or give better? Did we learn how to value others? 

Some of the worst times in my life have been in mourning death.  And grief isn't just for a time period.  We all have to learn how to grieve, and how to let ourselves truly grieve.  But those times, I must say, have helped me grow.  I separate from the trivial things of life and get back to what is solid:  that tomorrow isn't promised to any of us.  And what we do each day with each other at each moment is what matters.  I am reminded to make the most of life, and to appreciate what's really beautiful in life.  Death can indeed make you think.

Aside from death, sometimes others' mistreatment of us, or even learning about the darkness in the lives of others around us can teach us so much.  When we hear about another person's dark experiences, how much more perspective do we gain?  We develop empathy for others, and respect them more because we know a bit more about what they've been through.  We learn how to deal.

We don't need to be afraid of the dark.  We only need to let it remind us that there is light. There is light to be found, rediscovered, or shared.  Let us be ever seeking the light.