We pray that we may come unto this Darkness which is beyond light, and, without seeing and without knowing, to see and to know that which is above vision and knowledge through the realization that by not-seeing and by unknowing we attain to true vision and knowledge;-Pseudo Dionysius

The winter is a time of darkness upon this Northern Hemisphere and quite often, within the soul.  Where I grew up, 50 miles south of the Arctic Circle, there was more darkness than light at this time of year.  I was raised to enjoy winter darkness and the sparkling crystals  of nighttime snow fields.

Pseudo-Dionysius was raised far from the northern climes of my youth but he does speak to a reality of darkness that many have experienced.  I like to call it the other side of darkness.  When we move through or into the darkness of night, or grief, or depression we find there a gem of radiant beauty.

I am not suggesting that depression and grief should be ignored while we wait for this gem to appear, but rather that these trials create a new stream of possibility within the heart.  Darkness makes a pathway into empathy and deep love.

The ancients called this gem of God’s presence the dazzling darkness, and I like this phrase a lot.  It reminds me of those sparkling moonlit snows of my youth.  If I allow myself to look hard enough at the darkness I experience I will find hope and new life.

I will not forget my dark moments, but I just might begin to know that the presence of God does not rely on my perception of light or dark, happy or sad, success or failure.  God is present with me at all times, and in all places. 

And for this, I am grateful.

Blessings,

Debra