For a child from my part of the world, you'll understand that the midnight hours come with some sort of effects or preconceptions. Not especially when such a child was exposed to some supernatural stories or such. Or even the simple case of watching a scary movie at night could leave such a child with a lot to think about the night, and fear it.
As a child growing up, I've had my share of moments where the midnight hours scared me. Some came from watching movies I shouldn't have watched, while others were from stories I listened to. These stories always embody the actions of spiritual beings that operate at night. You can be sure that it wasn't easy getting around those nights.
When I was in secondary school, I listened to many of these stories. And I could remember how stepping out to take a pee seemed like it was a trap for these beings to pounce on me, like prey they've been lurking around and waiting for. Darkness seemed to grow thicker, with what felt like a hand that could take a grab.
Well, that was the younger me. Today, I see and understand better and I have some words that my past self should know. They are what could help him, not only for the sake of these beings and the fear that sometimes came with the night as a result, but for the sake of a better and more informed life.
I would like to tell my past self that the midnight hours should be taken and treated as sacred. Not in a way to fear but to bring information and understanding to him. What does this imply? It means I would let him know that he should learn to use the night to engage very well in spiritual disciplines.
Yes, prayer and reflection on the word. He should do it just the little way he could. Not a night vigil kind of thing since he had school to go to in the morning. But just to know that he needs to get his footing right on this matter to avoid the fear of the night and all of that.
He should also realise that the midnight hours can be the most effective time of his twenty-four day. A little portion of it should be spent on building himself in the right direction in life. It could be learning something new and worthwhile, gaining knowledge or whatever thing that was necessary for the future. Still, he should ensure to have sufficient nights' rest.
Also, he would need to know that fear is more than just a feeling, but a choice. Even in the face of how scary the night could look, he should understand that it's not always as it's said to be. He shouldn't believe some of the stories he would hear, or the movies or take them all seriously. Maybe he shouldn't even them entertain in the first place.
This is me writing this post at around 12:45 AM.
Images are mine.
