My family and I went camping at the Buffalo National River this fall. I really enjoy being outside and the idea of sleeping in a tent, swimming, and hiking are my favorite parts of camping. This trip, my dad had the idea of stargazing on the banks of the river. At first, when I was stargazing, I felt cold and uneasy in the darkness. Did you know that the Buffalo National River is part of the International Dark-Sky Association? It was VERY dark on the river.
But when Daddy started to cuddle with me under the blanket I felt warm and cozy. When I looked at the stars, I was amazed at what God had created. It was one of the most precious moments of my life. It was the first time I saw a shooting star and the Milky Way galaxy. I was able to see them at the park instead of at home because of the dark sky. My dad’s presence helped me find light in the darkness.
You might have noticed that I didn’t literally talk about light in the darkness. Sometimes light and darkness don’t have to be what you see, but what you feel. My dad made me feel safe. I feel like every time I feel light in the darkness, either God is with me or He made me feel that way, or both!
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27.
This reflection was written by Ruth Hiblong.