One of my favorite movies is  “Monsters, Inc.,” where monsters are assigned to scare people, most of them children. Some monsters hide under the beds, some hide in the closets, but all hide in the dark. Of course, this story is based on the age-old fear children have of the dark. Have you ever had to go into a child’s room at night to comfort them and assure them there is nothing scary hiding in there? Or do you remember having those fears when you were a child?

But are all dangers in the dark imaginary?  Even in places we’re familiar with, like our homes, we can bump into something when it’s dark. Anyone ever stub their toe or hit their shin on a piece of furniture during the night?  I know I have, even when I knew where I was. What a difference it makes to have even a little light, like a nightlight, to help us navigate in the dark.

Statistics show that most dangerous crimes occur in the dark.  In Los Angeles, for example, violent crime dropped by 40% after installing lights in parks where crime had been the highest. Once again, light made a difference in danger and safety.

We can also have “dark times of the soul,” when we’re depressed or troubled or dealing with very real problems. It is during those times that we need something or someone to bring us light, to lighten our mood, or bring us hope. I’m thankful for people who have helped me during those dark times and hope I can do the same for others as well.

Have you ever had someone bring light to your life? How did they do it? How did it make you feel? I’d love to hear your story.

“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning;  my God turns my darkness into light.” Psalms 18:28