When the light around you lessens
And your thoughts darken until
Your body feels fear turn
Cold as stone inside
When you find yourself bereft
Of any belief in yourself
And all you unknowingly
Leaned on has fallen
When one voice commands
Your whole heart
And it is raven dark
Steady yourself and see
That it is your own thinking
That darkens your world,
Search and you will find
A diamond-thought of light
Know that you are not alone
And that this darkness has purpose
Gradually it will school your eyes
To find the one gift your life requires
Hidden within this night-corner
Invoke the learning
Of every suffering
You have suffered
Close your eyes
Gather all the kindling
About your heart
To create one spark
That is all you need
To nourish the flame
That will cleanse the dark
Of its weight of festered fear
A New confidence will come alive
To urge you to higher ground
Where your imagination
Will learn to engage difficulty
As its most rewarding activity.
(For Courage – John O’Donohue)
James Ballantyne 