Funny Phobia

I have this weird phobia of the basement, somehow related to the heating mechanism; but mainly to the washer and dryer—and the ironing board. Part of it too is the dark and damp quality it has, not to mention the recurrent nightmares I had as a kid in this setting. So anytime I go down there I have to ward off this imaginary eerie sound. I take the steps down carefully holding on to the banister. When I get down far enough, I look over the banister to peruse the space. I determine that it’s safe so I walk down more confidently thinking “what could I possibly be scared of? There’s nothing down here.” So I head into that room where the heater and etc. reside. I do what I have to, you know, start ironing or loading the washer when suddenly I hear something rustling. I stop, still as a corpse, heart beating wildly. I continue what I’m doing cautiously and as quickly as I can. I step back; more rustling as I feel something under my foot. I jump up so high I could have hit my head on the ceiling. Still frantic I look down: it was some crinkly paper I was stepping on. Ha! I regain my composure and I think how silly it all is until the heater starts to hum. I grab my things (and quickly make sure the iron is off) and jet out. But before I hit the stairs I remember a song I used to love as a kid based on Psalms 4:8:

All through the night, until the day light

I fear no evil God is with me.

My dreams are peaceful my God is faithful.

He will protect me while I am asleep.

And when it gets dark and lonely at night

I won’t be afraid God is near.

I hide in His wings and think on good things

It’s so good to know that He’s here….

Psalms in Song. Hosanna, 1988

I know that I’m not in my room trying to fall sleep but in my darkened fears, I am assured that God is with me.

-Lyrics by tia 2011