If we are mindful of the light, the dark need never be.....

Illumination

It wasn't really late, but it was very dark as she drove home. Very dark. The road was winding. The fog was thick. Within this cloak of darkness, the only things discernible were the short, shining red lights in front of her, and the small white circles from across the median. All the little blotches of red and white kept coming forward, in sync, almost as if they had their own volition. Only up close did it become obvious that these shining lights were actually affixed to vehicles - cars, trucks and vans.

Although deeply concentrating on driving with great care, the irony of the little travelling lights suddenly hit her. Strong chunks of heavy metal - vehicles - were equipped with the technological capability of traversing great distances at rapid speeds. If these chunks of metal should collide, they would wreak havoc, even death, And yet, she realized, we rely on basic, simple lights - the red ones on the rear of our car, and the white headlights leading the way in front -  to guide us. The simple, soft lights effectively warn away other vehicles from coming too close, while also illuminating our path, hopefully guiding us safely and preventing us from hitting and/or being hit by another moving vehicle.

She began to think that she encounters this type of crash/clash many times a day in the myriad of choices she makes. Choices between good and bad - right and wrong - in her lifelong struggle in choosing to be the one who takes the higher road instead of getting  pulled into the mire of revenge, anger or resentment.  The comparison to her experience driving and her everyday battles became obvious, and it was suddenly clear to her that the power of light can eradicate darkness in all areas of her life. By continually shining the simple light of truth on something, the surrounding darkness would melt into oblivion. Then darkness would not need to be fought - it would just need to be illuminated by mindfully focusing on her purpose and applying actions that would enlighten her soul.  If she could keep the truth always constant in her heart and soul as she travelled any dark, winding roads in her life journey, the potency of a simple 'light' would guide her and distill the darkness. Illumination at its best!