In Chapter 2 of this book a marvelous love story begins to unfold...well actually in chapter 1 but whose counting. In these pages great, unconditional and quite requited love unfolds in magnificent and beautiful ways. Love that not just speaks to the heart but also to the very soul of the reader. Today, I had what I would call a truly Unexpected day. It started it with the usual feed the dogs, throw a load of laundry in and prepare to take the wookies (my dogs Asa and Kiah) on a hike in the woods. I was bound and determined that if did nothing else today, Thanksgiving, I would commune with God and with my dogs. And I was up against the weather, rain was heading in and as I got to the bottom of my front stoop, drops of rain began to fall. Now in Oregon this would be a normal things but out this way it hasn't been something I have missed much. As I looked up at the sky, dogs sitting patiently with goo goo eyes at Mama, I asked God please just give me an hour please. Since it was just a few drops I said no worries, this is nothing but a spit of rain and I am a native Oregonian....so off we walked to the garage to get in the car to go to the woods.
Time with Mama Mary is rare during the day so excitement run a muck between the two. As I pulled out of the garage a few more drops but then nothing...it would be gray and threaten to rain but I would get my hike in with my two babies. I was also bound and determined that I would teach these two unruly, happy go lucky dogs some manners when they are walking with me alone on and off leash. So off we rode with treats in my pockets and a smile on our faces to the woods. As I parked the car and prepared to get us going the slightest snow flurry graced my windshield. And for those who know me best I love the snow - light or heavy, I always take a child like delight in the unpredictable white flakes as they fall from above.
As we walked the trail, and I have attached some video and pictures to this blog for effect (and well just plain bragging on my gifts of joy), I of course needed to find a Jesus stick. Most of my sisters back home know about this little thing I got going on with God and the Jesus sticks. But for those of you who don't, the story is too long to tell but imagine the song "Lean on Me" and crank it up a notch - the Looking Up not Out way of living. So as the wookies frolicked and played, wrestled and came when called, we set out to enjoy some solitude with each other and with God. Even with my knees as rickity as they are, we managed to get pretty much through to the end of the trail where of course there was a perfectly appointed log to rest at and watch them play. And as the fall leaves in their brilliant colors graced the ground beneath our feet, and the bare branches reminded me of stick people for those of us not blessed with that talent, the small white flakes began to gently fall over the woods. It wasn't a lot and no one else but myself was there to witness it; we sat and I prayed.
Nothing real fancy and tried to do more listening than talking; and that still quiet voice whispered "beloved, you are mine". As I just experienced and practiced the presence of God, poetry began pouring out of my thoughts and I knew I needed to get it on paper. As the flurries became a little heavier, and knowing that the weather could go either way, we set out to return so I could share these breathtaking moments for all time. It was perfect.
When we got back, everyone sufficiently tuckered out, I sat down for some quiet time and scripture. As I opened my electronic version, it opened where I had last been "Song of Songs". As I slowly, carefully read the words of chapter 2, all verses, I was captured by the meaning behind each word and let it speak to my heart. I stopped long enough to be reminded of the greatest love affair we can ever have, a love like no other, filled with the stuff dreams are made of. Perfect love, filled with all the fire and passion that God has for us unfolded and I felt a heaviness leave me and a still gentle smile come over me. I stopped long enough; lingered long enough; took a rest just long enough to be reminded that I have this perfect love everyday....Thanksgiving began. Go to chapter 2, silence the TV or the stereo and linger over every verse...spend time in the flurry of God's Love.
pebble out....
1 comment:
My Mary, I felt like I was there in the moment with you. I am grateful that our Father blesses you in your quiet moments with Him. Keep writing my sister, it sounds like it is healing to your soul.
Post a Comment