In the end of my first year in college, I was drawing closer to God, but I was living a fabricated optimistic lifestyle. I shrugged negativity off like snow on the shoulder of a leather jacket. I was happy, but I was lying to myself. Until August 13th, 2019 I had a dream. This dream was terrifying, but it was the best fear that I could ever have because “The fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 15:33) The dream was an illusion that my life was living and when I woke up, I found peace in the reality that I now see.

       Before, I viewed things as if everything was going to be fine. The world was my oyster, and no one could take that away from me. Life was colorful and shimmering like a wet stone on a summer day, but this was not reality. Reality is dark, difficult, and ugly but its real. And when you feel something or see something so real, it is so powerful in your heart and mind. It echoes through your world and lets you see it for what it is. Its real, honest, and humble and though negativity rings throughout it, beauty prevails in the reality that is. Not the reality we create.

       In the end of the piece, the hymn entitled “Prayer of St Francis” is sung. This hymn is one of my favorites, and beautifully sums up the piece. This calm hymn exemplifies the peace and satisfaction I felt after the greatest fear I have ever experienced.