My life right now is a path shrouded in darkness and I have only a single lantern. It illuminates the path right around me with a small circle of light, but beyond that, there is only darkness. I can hear sounds all around me, but I cannot determine which way to go. The ground beneath my feet is secure, but there are rocks and debris that cause my feet to stumble. My direction is only illuminated when I take a step. The light doesn’t lead me, but it encompasses me…which is not entirely helpful, but it is comforting. Towards the end of the path I can see a full light, but it is far away and there is much darkness between us. Yet, even the fullness of light at the end of the path there is a fear because with this light comes incredible change.
New job. New city. New friends. New house.

New everything.

I am not on this path by choice, but I am on this path because it was necessary. In the comforting glow of the light I am awash with every emotion — relief, expectancy, anger, hopefulness, grief, and joy. Tears that were so reluctant before flow easily on this path. Tears that sting with sorrow but also bring the lightness of hope.

With every step I take I know that I am closer to the end of the path. Closer to whatever lies ahead.
And farther away from what stays behind. I feel conflicted at times — wanting to stay in the darkness of the path because it feels closer to what — whom — I’m leaving behind but wanting to run as fast as I can toward the end of the way to bask in the complete light that waits for me. I don’t know what’s in the light ahead or what lies between the light and me. This fear keeps me yearning for what is behind me.

No matter what my fear tells me, my courage knows that the only way is forward. Courage is what wills my feet to move when I cannot see the way. Courage knows that the light holds something good. And courage knows that some things last, even when we leave them behind.
Courage knows that the only way is one dimly lit step at a time.

Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake. — Victor Hugo

Peace be the journey.