What do you do when you find yourself in a dark place?

In my book, “The Gift of a Dozen More” we learn that gratitude is a form of rest. Faith too is a form of rest. When we are grateful for what we have instead of dwelling on what we do not, we find peace; we find rest. Likewise, when we surrender our worries and fears, our despair and our grief, as well as our hopes and desires to the Lord in faith, we can know true rest.

I recently became ill with pneumonia, and ironically, that illness in my body brought healing to my spirit. For about a week, I was able to spend time with God without any distraction and in turn, strengthen my faith. I was able to rest. Faith and rest are synonymous in a way; faith, like rest brings healing.

Winter can be difficult for sensitive people. If you’re anything like myself, you struggle when you’re deprived of sunshine too long. Cold, bleak, and dreary days can really start to take their toll especially if I’m sick. I made a decision on that cloudy winter day to take a long walk to a place I hadn’t been in a good while.

As I made my way through those dark woods, I began to remember how beautiful and bright the sand was on the other side. I could see the light begin to peak through the trees in the distance, and within moments I was met with a wave of nostalgia. It was exactly as I remembered. I let out a sigh of relief when I realized I had the whole beach to myself that morning.

I sat for a while watching the birds as they flew and found myself in that moment having a conversation with God. Well, actually it was more so pouring my heart out. The birds that flew joyfully above me weren’t worried about what tomorrow would bring. They weren’t longing for what they didn’t have. They weren’t dwelling on the past or daydreaming about the future. They simply flew; they were simply present.

I was left with one word—one small, simple yet powerful word—faith.

I stood up, immediately locating a stick and began to carve this very message into the sand—this message that I slowly began to realize was God’s voice.

After a while, I left my place of rest and began to make my way back home. As I walked, I found myself hoping for someone to come across that message before the rain washed it away. I prayed for that word to be just what they needed that day, just as it was for me.

We all need faith in the dark place—faith that things we will get better, faith that we aren’t alone, faith that God is in control. I hope you remember in your darkness that light will soon come if you believe. When you make the choice to push forward in faith, putting one foot in front of the other, you too will find a light at the end of the tunnel. You too will find your bright sandy beach at the end of those dark woods.