I can imagine few things more trying to the patience than the long wasted days of waiting. – Robert Falcon Scott
Imagine being trapped in an underground cave that may soon be filled with water; imagine knowing that a multitude of people including teams of experts are desperately trying to extract you; imagine that you have been told that you will be rescued, but that it will take time; you must be patient.
Imagine the feelings of fear and hope besieging you day and night, struggling with each other to control your thoughts and behavior.
Amidst such emotional chaos, is it possible to remain patient and calm, and to keep hope alive?
I don’t know if I could.
Could you?
Patience is waiting.
Waiting creates a tunnel,
And places you inside.
The tunnel is dark and impenetrable,
And isolating.
You look, but cannot see,
You listen, but cannot hear.
You know where you are,
But you cannot understand why.
In the beginning, the tunnel is like a womb:
You feel safe, protected, and secure.
But, in time, you sense that you are not alone.
An intruder has invaded the tunnel.
An intruder, whose name is Fear.
He holds you hostage,
And makes you feel insecure.
No longer do you have any options,
No longer are you free to choose.
Fear is in control.
Endlessly you stare into the tunnel,
Searching for a way out.
Until you detect a
Pinhole, a flicker of light,
Like the flame of a candle burning
In the breeze,
In the night.
You move cautiously toward the light,
Careful not to awaken Fear,
Who sleeps by your side.
At the end of the tunnel is an opening,
A huge circle bathed in bright light.
Your pace quickens, your heart pounds.
But near the end of the tunnel,
Instinctively, you slow down.
Standing in the opening,
You fill your lungs with fresh sweet air.
You feel confident, secure.
In control.
Still, you look over your shoulder,
Still wary that Fear
Will suddenly appear.
Quickly, you must decide,
You’re free to choose:
The tunnel, or the light.
Can you decide?
Will you choose? – Excerpt from “I’m Afraid”
Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. – Desmond Tutu
In the face of tragedy, Hope and Fear are ever present; they are inseparable.
But if Patience and Hope are able to survive, you and I may too.
I offer these thoughts for your consideration.
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The saga continues in my next blog.
Do Not Be Afraid!!!