First United Methodist Church

Dear Friends,

​

It was late in the evening and I was locking up the church and turning out the lights.  I have done this enough that I know the routine.  After all these years, I know where the light switches are located.  I know which lights are often left on.  I made my way through the building turning off lights. Choir room.  Sanctuary.  Third floor. In some cases, when I turn off a light, it means having to walk through the room in total darkness.  But I have done this enough, I can navigate my way through the building in the dark.  I have developed an awareness that allows me to feel comfortable even when I cannot see the way. 

 

It reminded me of an Advent poem by Jan Richardson.  The poem is entitled, “A Blessing for Traveling in the Dark.”  The poem begins with gentle words for walking in the dark: 

 

Go slow 

If you can. 

Slower.

More slowly still. 

Friendly dark 

or fearsome, 

this is not place 

to break your neck 

by rushing, 

by running, 

by crashing into

what you cannot see. 

 

There are many ways that we walk in the darkness and this poem expresses a patience and calmness that allows us to travel life’s challenging pathways.  In those difficult places, we keep walking, sometimes slowly, certainly cautiously, but we keep moving.   

 

Richardson concludes the poem with a prayer for those who are walking in the darkness.  She writes, 

 

But this is what 

I can ask for you: 

That in the darkness 

there be a blessing. 

That in the shadows 

there be a welcome. 

That in the night 

you be encompassed 

by the Love that knows 

your name. 

 

In those quiet moments when we turn the lights off at the end of the day, we walk carefully and patiently.  In the gentle steps that we take out the door or to our bed or wherever you destination may lead, we are reminded of the many darkened places we walk in life.  May you find hope and love in those moments. 

​

Peace,

Howard