a dream

I walked through a forest alone and spent, yet slightly comforted by the quiet, gentle peace of nature. The great pines were crowded so densely together it seemed dusk at midday. Though I didn’t know where I was headed, I did not feel afraid, just exhausted and helpless. As I wandered toward my unknown destination I startled myself with the sound of twigs snapping beneath my feet. Eventually, I arrived at a small, murky brown pond, made beautiful only by the sharp reflection of the green foliage. The water was still as glass and dark, soothing as water can’t help but be. I sat on the dirt; despair doesn’t pay mind to the comforts of life; the earth was my friend. I found a stick and began to scratch markings beside me as I pulled my knees up to rest my chin. Sitting at the water’s edge, I gently touched it with the stick, sending mild yet far stretching ripples across the entire pond. I looked up and saw Jesus walking toward me. I tried to imagine what he would say. Would he scold me? Give me advice? There were no right words to fit the moment, no easy resolution to my heart’s dilemma. In my mind, I refused to open my heart to whatever he might say. Of course, he knew. He knew my heart better than I. He sat down beside me in the dirt, wrapped one arm around my shoulders and pulled me into his chest. We sat quietly without a single word. His actions said it all, “I love you and I am with you”. That’s all I could handle at that moment and he knew. He gave me all I could receive.