Darkness In The Alcove

I went to a conference over the weekend.
It was a creativity conference recognizing the importance of collaboration and community.
The conference itself was called The Inklings Conference.
The Inklings were a group of writers who gathered at the University of Oxford.

The group consisted of writers, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Owen Barfield to name a few.
The men met for almost twenty years.
They shared their writing and discussed their works in progress.
Feedback and encouragement were the order of the day.

From the writers in this group, we have The Chronicles of Narnia, and Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Collaboration and community were key as the writers spurred each other on to greater work.
We are made for community.
One-anothering, encouragement, and constructive critique brings much fruit.

I intended to check into my hotel before the conference registration time.
I walked the charming streets of the city where the conference was held.
I passed by the Central Market, which by that time of day, was already closed.
I saw many historic buildings and a large clock in the square at the center of the city.

I walked into the building where the conference was to be held and saw many familiar faces.
Writers, artists, poets, and musicians all gathered there to be nourished.
We were there to encourage each other, to be challenged and refreshed.
We were there to grow and flourish in our craft.

When I checked in, I saw that my room was in an alcove, tucked away at the end of the hall.
There was a large circular light in the ceiling above my door that was not working.
My room was located in the side of the hotel that was newly renovated.
Everything was so lovely; the non-working light seemed out of place.

I decided that I would mention the dark alcove as I passed the front desk.
The person behind the desk said that the maintenance staff would be called.
As I was in the first session of the conference, my phone vibrated in my purse.
My husband, a business member of this hotel, was called, since his name is on the account.

The light was not going to be fixed because the problem was more than changing a light bulb.
They offered to escort me to my hotel room when I returned later that night.
I told my husband that I would probably take them up on the offer.
The darkness was more than mere shadows.

When I returned to the hotel around 10:30 that night, I went to the front desk.
They recognized me and called security right away.
Soon, a young man, with a visible name tag on his suit jacket, came down the staircase.
He was so kind and told me that he was the head of security.

We walked together and took the elevator to the sixth floor.
He explained that the light was high tech and a needed part, that had been ordered.
He told me that actually three similar lights were not working in this newly renovated hotel.
We got off the elevator and turned the corner to walk towards the alcove.

Wow, this IS very dark! He exclaimed, realizing that I wasn’t exaggerating.
It was so dark, I couldn’t even see the square on which my electronic key would be placed.
I know that I could have used my phone’s flashlight to illuminate the area.
However, the darkness was uncomfortable for me, a woman staying there alone.

I can escort you tomorrow night as well, he said knowing that I was there for two nights.
I told him that I would take him up on that offer.
He waited respectfully at a distance from my door until I got inside my room.
I thanked him, closed the door, and locked it for the night.

And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness. The wise person has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness.
(Ecclesiastes 2:13, 14)

I thought about people walking in darkness, when I was safely in my hotel room.
People who stumble and fall because they are trying to find their way on their own.
Oh, if they only knew that they have a Guide.
They have Someone who will walk beside them in this dark world.

If we have come to faith in Jesus alone, we are in Christ.
We have His Holy Spirit inside us.
The Holy Spirit is our Counselor.
The Holy Spirit teaches us all things, and brings to mind all that Jesus has said in His Word.

In Him, we are not alone.
In Him, we are not walking in darkness.
We will not ultimately stumble and fall.
We will be led by the One who will never leave us or forsake us.

You need not walk in the darkness any longer.
There is One who will walk by your side.
You are not alone.
Call on Him in the dark; He delights to walk beside you.

2 responses to “Darkness In The Alcove”

1. So glad the hotel was accommodating to your request for a guide. And you are right–the Holy Spirit is always there to help and guide us. My Monday night Bible study (on zoom) is now studying “Delighting in the Trinity”. I am so thankful God has provided for all we need through His Son and Spirit. Sure miss your classes, though. Love to you and your family.

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   • Yes, Sue, I was grateful that the hotel was so accommodating.
     The littlest experience can point us towards God and His truth.
     Gina

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