We all use terms like a black hole when referring to the unknown and what could be lurking there. Or we speak of the darkness of the great unknown. But these phrases are colored by our own perception and feelings. And we tend to make the same assumption when we are facing a change in our life. It’s true, change can be a little scary because it is often taking us to an unknown place. But there is also the chance that the change will actually be beneficial.
Remember as a child being afraid of the dark and scared of the monster in the closet or under the bed? It was the wisdom of a parent who often settled that fear by turning on a light or shining a flashlight under the bed. I was told countless times that there is nothing there in the dark, that was not there in the light. No monsters appeared after the lights are out, and there was nothing to fear. It was just my overactive imagination.
And I think that there are times when we all need to remember that early lesson and apply the same wisdom to potential changes in our life. We can’t always see what is around the next corner, nor can we always plan for it. We just need to trust that the darkness of the unknown is not always filled with monsters lying in wait for us. And only by facing these changes and the unknown head-on, will we ever discover what is out there waiting for us.
In many cases, that next step in your journey will be filled with excitement and new experiences. And though not all of them are likely to be perfect, each one will hold lessons that you need to learn. You will grow from each step on your journey, and you will become stronger from every challenge that you face and overcome. Just as you did as a child, you must believe and have faith.
Kathy, this is another amazing post that brings back memories of my own childhood in Worthington on Clearview Avenue, my fears in the night that a monster was lurking under my bed so I’d call Mother who came to assure me it was “nothing, you’re fine, go back to sleep.” Of course, this has prompted another “story” I shall write when I have more time. How you can keep these amazing posts coming, even while on vacation, is amazing and wonderful. I am, as always, a grateful recipient of your talents and insights and generosity in sharing them with all of us, your fans, me included!!!
I remember not wanting to stick my feet out from under the covers in case something under the bed might get them. I’m not sure if I thought it was a monster or a number of entities I could not name or describe, but I don’t remember ever telling my mother about it or any comfort I ever got from her. It is strange how children develop those totally unfounded fears. But how often do we develop unfounded adult fears, too? Unfounded maybe, but all too real. I like your statement:
“In many cases, that next step in your journey will be filled with excitement and new experiences. And though not all of them are likely to be perfect, each one will hold lessons that you need to learn. You will grow from each step on your journey, and you will become stronger from every challenge that you face and overcome. Just as you did as a child, you must believe and have faith.”
Yes, we must believe and have faith. Great post, Kathy–as usual. 🙂 God bless. And have a great vacation.
Makes sense. All experiences in life is a lesson. Some of us learn and get wiser from it, some don’t. But life can be a classroom for some, and detention hall for others. What we learn in each room, helps or hinder us.