I push through the glass doors of the office and step out into the sunshine. The day is still blessedly warm, unseasonably for this time of year. Almost unconsciously I shake my hands at my side, shaking off the pressure of the day.
As I walk I inhale, improperly I know, but in the way that I need to at this moment. My chest, not my diaphragm, expands and I allow my shoulders to rise and I inhale the sweet September afternoon air.
Once, twice, three times as I walk toward my car I fill my lungs with life.
The temperature inside of the car is hot; the digital gauge reads eighty degrees. As I smile at the idea of this heat at this time of year, the air conditioner kicks in to bring it down to a more comfortable seventy.
I plug my iPod into the auxiliary jack, and the smooth, velvet sounds of Il Divo performing Hallelujah fill the car. I turn up the volume a bit, wanting to be blanketed in the music.
Stress continues to fall away.
At home I greet the dogs who are ecstatic to have me home. Their greeting is like food for my weary soul this afternoon. I know that Gerry is going to home late this evening, so I don’t worry about supper for the moment. Instead, I take the dogs and we go out into the back yard.
I pull a chair over into the sun and put my head back, basking in the therapy it brings. As I sit I pray. There are people and situations on mind that I lift up in prayer. Here and there, this and that, one thing leads to another. As I pray I relax, comforted in the thought that there is Someone else in charge.
Eventually I am quiet. I sit, looking at the beauty in my yard, filled with gratitude, and at peace.
And then that still, small, voice that I know so well speaks and reminds me of something I have been reminded of before.
“In repentance and rest is your salvation; in quiet and confidence is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)
In that moment I am all of these things. Repentent, at rest, quiet, and confident that all is as it should be at this very moment.
Beautiful afternoon, so beautifully told. Thanks for sharing your moments, and the scripture. I like that one.
I felt like I was there with you…great writing…great message
Like Deb, I feel like I was sharing your experience. It was beautiful and touched my soul. Thanks!
How lovely,Linda. Yes, yes, and yes. To hear that still, small voice, we must get quiet.
Karen
Very beautiful … your words create pictures. That's quite a talent!
Small Footprints
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com
A quite beautiful piece, I actually felt as if I was watching you leave your office, arrive at home thru to the dogs ecstasy upon your arrival home. Very talented . . I'm going to sign up to follow you.
Perhaps you'll find the time to visit my blog. I'm a new blogger and so would value any comments you might make.
Wonderful. Your present tense voice pulled me in, and I found myself taking deep breaths, too.
Beautiful! All of it!
Oh that was a beautiful description of a special time. Thank you for sharing that!