How I Discovered Treasures in Darkness

     Following cancer surgery recently, I recalled my exploration in South Dakota’s Jewel Cave, the third largest underground chamber in the world. As I descended into the damp cavern, gloom wrapped around me - nothing but darkness and eerie silence. Then a guide shot a beam of light at a cave wall, and calcite crystals sparkled back - treasures in darkness.
     Lately I’ve experienced so much confusion with cancer. How does this impact my future? How should I treat it? Lots of contradictory advice.
     Yet occasionally gems sparkled in the darkness. Like the time a friend said I’d been on her mind, so she prayed; she didn’t know I was undergoing grueling medical tests. Another day a neighbor left a bouquet of flowers on our front step. A cheery card arrived in the mail. An encouraging email popped up. And supportive comments poured onto Face Book. I’m humbled by such kindnesses that inched me forward through the dark tunnels of cancer.
     I remember God’s statement to the king of the Persian Empire more than two thousand years ago: “I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord.”
     Perhaps this is one reason I experience dark times - to discover that when all else is murky, I can be confident that God still rules.
     You’ve shown me great compassion during this time. Thank you. I hope to pass it along to others when they are trapped in darkness.