With the start of the school year, I've had to get creative about fitting in my runs. I love the cool stillness of the morning and getting my workouts done before the day begins. But now, to keep up, I’ve found myself running in the dark. And let me be honest—I’m still afraid of the dark.
Before heading out, I gear up: light-up vest, chest lamp, pepper spray. Still, the fear lingers as I step out to our driveway and into bear territory. Yes, we’ve had a bear visiting the field next to our house. Once I make it through that gauntlet, I reach town and find light. What a relief!
This week, my daughters both started school. They, too, are facing their own fears—new schedules, unfamiliar teachers, friends in different classes, and longer days. We've been memorizing Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Just as this verse has been a comfort to our family, I’ve found other verses reassuring me through this season of fear. 1 John 4:18 tells me, “Perfect love casts out fear.” Isaiah 41:10 reminds me that God will help us. And as I ran toward the town lights, I remembered the words of Jesus in John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
In our fear, in our anxiety, we can run to Jesus—the Light. He is always there, casting away the darkness and giving us the strength to move forward, no matter the season.
And as for running in the dark? I think I’ll start running at the end of the day instead. No sense playing in the dark when the Light is available!
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