Reflection on a Sleepless Night

The following was is a reflection I wrote on friday morning after no sleep and many miles:

     Have you ever seen the sun set on the coast, right as the tide begins to break? Waves crash against a weary shore, eating away at thousands of years of sand and rock.  The relentless assault on the integrity of the beach is overwhelming.  Enormous boulders begin to quake and move from their decades-old resting places, and entire sections of sand begin to disappear.  The great roar of the ocean heaving its immensity against the land is deafening.  But just as one begins to lose hope for the earth; just as one thinks that the sand and rocks and plants will finally succumb to the pressures of the sea, the light begins to dim.  The sun creeps behind the trees, fortifying the earth, giving its all, as it falls behind the horizon.  The sky fumes in protest, shooting fire across the clouds in anguish at its loss.  But as the light fades, the waves lessen their assault.  Strengthened by the force of the sun, the earth roars back, a cacophony of night creatures called up from reserve.  The waves begin to shrink in fear.  The sacrifice of the sun has brought to the earth an internal warmth, allowing it to quiet the sea.  The tide rolls out, revealing weather beaten shores, now free from drowning but still bathed in moonlight.  The moon, enlightened by the spirit of the sun, now gives the world a soft glow of peace.  Peace.  Peace settles in.  The waves now gently roll--a soft and even sound.  The smell of salt is no longer caustic.  Rather, the wet and heavy sand now breathes with the slight scent of relief. 
     Look at the example of the sun.  The earth rocks in its orbit, straining to escape the warmth of its rays.  But the sun forgives, and each year it melts the frozen hatred of a wintery land.  The sun burns with a fiery intensity, but never complains of the monotony of the constant need to renew the life of the earth.  And do not forget the sacrifice of the sunset, when the sun descends from its rightful place in the sky, in order that the earth might bear life. 
     Take heed of the sun's example.  As the terrors of the demons press down on you, wearing away at your core and threatening your very integrity, allow the sun to set behind you and sustain you in its fullness.  Love the moon and the stars of heaven, basking in the mere reflection of the sun's rays.  Forgive even in monotony; silence your complaints in love; accept your sacrifice in the depths of your heart.  And no matter how dark the night becomes, always remember the hope of the sun's rising. 

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!