Facing Fear

"Dad," Ethan said, "Shut my closet door."

Say what??? It's bed time. I'm about to walk out the door of my five year old. I feel surprised because Ethan always has his closet door open...with the light on.

"Why do you want me to do that?"

"Dad, I'm facing my fears tonight."

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I just knew this was a pretty big moment.
Questions started flooding my mind. I didn't know which question to ask first...

"What do you mean...face your fears? Where did you hear that...at school?"

"Yes."

"Did you read a book about it?"

"Yes."

"How did the story go."

Ethan smiled because he loves to tell stories. "Two guys were going hunting for bears and one guy was scared. So his buddy told him to face his fears. So I'm going to face my fears."

"What are your fears?"

"My fears... I'm afraid of the dark. I'm afraid of monsters in my closet. I'm afraid of my dreams."

I wasn't quite sure how to respond. "Wow," was all I could muster. This seemed like a big deal. I searched my mind, trying to get beyond my surprise. Why did this matter? Because fear is prevalent. Fear is one of the most disempowering aspects of the human condition. And courage...courage is acting despite the presence of fear. Ethan is going to need that. I still need that...

"Wow, Ethan that's really brave. It takes a lot of courage to face your fears." My words felt trite compared to the awe mixed wonder that I really felt.

Ethan grinned.

"Love you. See you when you wake up."

"Love you Daddy."