Aspects of Being
I heard a story about some folks, who while on vacation Out West, went to visit an abandoned mine - to see a bit of the Past. The Tour Guide took them down the depths of the shaft on a slow elevator, explaining the history of that particular place. When they'd arrived at the very bottom and had all entered into the main chamber, he continued to talk but now introduced a new subject. Whether he was a particularly wise man or not, I do not know. But I suspect he knew a thing or two about how to make a point hit home. He told the small group that he was going to try an experiment. Instructing them to remain standing where they were, he said that he was going to extinguish the bright light of the lantern that he held in his hands, and this he did with their agreement. Immediately they were enveloped in darkness - Pure Blackness, the likes of which they'd never experienced. They were swallowed by it, wholly...completely. Waving their hands in front of their faces resulted in nothing. There was no adjustment for the eyes to make, no focal point, no reference - Eyes open wide, yet nothing, but NOTHING could they see. Unfamiliar with these circumstances, no doubt it didn't take long for the "novelty" to be replaced by the vague beginnings of terror, which could easily swallow them as well. Seconds passed that seemed an unsettling eternity.... After something past a mere minute, the Tour Guide then spoke and warned them that he was going to strike a match and suggested that they shield their eyes. But who would shut out such a welcome sight? When he lit that match, the light, such a stark and brilliant change, was nearly blinding. One small match - one little beacon...and the darkness was shattered! What relief must have been felt. What sighs and exclamations must have escaped their lips! I'd venture to guess that this little group of tourists left that mine shaft this day with a different perspective than when they'd entered it..... I remember this story from several years back because I too have witnessed Utter Blackness in my own journey, as have we all. I remember it because each point of light that I encountered was as treasured to me as if it were the very Sun itself shining on me. I remember it because it did not blind me, but helped me to keep my eyes open wide for such welcome sights, and it has changed me. I remember it because it serves no one to shut out the light, whether it shines in the heart of a friend, the kindness of a stranger, within the soul, in a song that is cherished, or comes simply from the first star of The Evening. There is light everywhere. It shatters darkness. I remember..... ~ The best of stories
can be told in many ways, so that all may understand.
Come! |