This is what I love about the dark
[an attempt to unmask my fear]
Looking up to a sky full of stars
Being forced to slow down
Remembering that in the dark ground, seeds germinate
Trusting and knowing that after the darkest of night comes the break of dawn
Darkness invites rest, calls me to be still and to listen
Growth seems to take place in darkness, in the unseen moments
In the dark I’m given the chance to rely on my other senses: feeling the coolness of the air, listening for an owl’s screech, the scent of burning leaves, and the taste of hot tea
In the darkness someone else can come along to light a flame beside me and lead the way
At night in a manger, the light of the world was born
At early morning, in the dark of an empty tomb, death no longer had the final word
By the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1: 78-79).
**This post originally appeared on the author’s blog.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. You can read more at her website, follow her work on Facebook, or sign up for her monthly newsletter.