The Castle

Close your eyes and imagine that you are exploring a medieval castle. Torches are burning, lighting your way. Intricate tapestries and portraits of ancient kings and queens line the walls. You can feel the moist coldness of the stone.

Soon you come to a door, and when you look inside you see a room furnished exactly like your childhood bedroom. As you examine the next several rooms, you realize that this particular castle tells the story of your life. Those pictures of kings and queens are actually pictures of the many people who have influenced you for good.

As you continue walking, you pass a kitchen that is stocked with your favorite foods, and a library filled with your favorite books. As you reach the end of the hall, there is a large and inviting room with a roaring fire. You pause for a moment to warm yourself and look around. To the left, there is a stairway leading up. To the right, there is a stairway leading down. You intuitively know that the dungeon is down there; the place where you keep your secrets and your shame. You have a decision to make. Should you go up, where you might find lighter, happier, prettier things? Or should you take a torch off the wall and fearlessly face your demons? Thinking that you can always come back later and explore the dungeon, you decide to go upstairs--not because you are afraid, but because there is no need to rush. When the time is right, you'll shine your light into the dungeon.

On the second level, you find rooms that remind you of past joys. Memories of love and laughter fill your mind. As you continue to ascend, you find yourself standing in a tower room, gazing at the scenery below. There are forests and lakes and rivers. It's absolutely magnificent up here. A feeling of gratitude washes over you as you think of the life you have lived and the lessons you've been privileged to learn.