Friday, January 9, 2009

Love Letters to the King

Today, my Lord, I have grown tired. The burden of my insignificance heavy upon me. The bruise on my arm a reminder that there are those who do not care I am here.

Sweeping the front step of my employer’s store, surrounded by a dust cloud perpetuated by a dry land, dispassionate villagers care not that they knock me to and fro.

My day’s chores seem unending and unrewarded.

I want to escape. To run into the presence of the one who breathes life upon my soul. But the dust did not only shield me from view. It darkened you from my mind as well.

I tried to daydream of you, to find happiness amidst the mockery of hope, but the dream did not come. Your image faded as if covered beneath the debris of my brokenness. For a moment, I thought I would not find you, that maybe I had never
found you. Sorrow filled my heart and tears burst forth.

But I cannot forget our garden, my Lord. And so, at the end of the day, I left the village. Tears washing the dirt from my face, I walked towards you.

My shoes were filled with gravel and, with every step, bit the soles of my feet. My sweat soaked garment clung to my body. Wiping my brow, the closeness of my own bed in the village brought more solace than the journey to your garden, but I pressed on.

By the time I arrived, the sun was dipping just below the horizon, casting shadow upon the wrought iron gate.

Tranquility spilled forth as an intangible cloud that engulfed my body and nurtured my soul. The celestial twilight penetrated my spirit, renewing me from the inside. You were there. I could feel you.

Although the evening’s air began to cool, my skin was feverish. Nearing the gate, I let go my shawl allowing it to slip from my shoulders, down my back and onto the ground. Two steps before entering I pulled the slip knot from my hair, shaking the dust from my locks and letting them cascade down my back. I stepped out of my shoes and left them at the foot of the gate before entering your garden.

Leaving the path, I stepped barefooted onto the chilled grass. With each step, the coarse blades scrubbed the dirt from the soles of my feet. The night air dried my dress until it lay loose around me.

The cicadas serenaded the evening sky and the garden erupted in dance. I could do nothing but join in. My arms lifted and pulled my torso from side to side. Reaching towards the earth, I skimmed my fingers along the blades of grass before leaping into the air and throwing my hands towards heaven. Twirling, I joined the garden in rhythm and song until my lungs hurt from the sting of inhaling too much cold air too quickly.

Pausing to catch my breath, I saw you in the distance. Barely making out your silhouette, the only aspect of your darkened figure evident was the smile upon your face. You were watching me.

With one foot in front of the other, I bowed towards you. For you, my Lord, are the true joy that invades my heart and sets my foot to dance.

Love,

Your enraptured servant


“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever. Psalms 30:11-12 (NIV)


Dance, sing and rejoice in the one who sees you no matter your circumstance. And know, his refreshing is for evermore.

14 comments:

B His Girl said...

The villagers toss me to and fro...I like that. When we get stuck in our feeling, we need to run to the Gate. It's open and a welcome sight. I have been thinking about the garden. Your picture was perfect. Yes, that is my daughter, although she looked a little grungy after doing all the work there last summer. I will post a more every day pic of her sometime. She's blond and that picture makes her look like a brunette.

Unknown said...

When you buy wholesale dancewear you are buying from the manufacturer, and you save money. Wholesale dancewear companies are distributors for children’s, ladies and men’s dance clothes and accessories. These include a full line of leotards, unitards, skirts, tights, dance shoes and more.

SUPPORT said...

Great blog here!

HisFireFly said...

What a lovely blog you have here! May He continue to inspire you and create more and more desire for Himself within your heart and spirit.

It is spirit to Spirit where we touch!

Beverlydru said...

Wow. I am a new reader here and this post blew me away. Beautiful.

A Free Spirit Butterfly said...

this post simply reminds me to stay on my path and do not conform to this world. my spirit is searching for more likeminded people. thanks for deciding to create a blog which lead me here.

This one fed my soul today!

love, peace and blessings.

sailorcross said...

"O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever"!!!!

And again you have touched my soul in a very private place.

I had the bruises and the tossing of life
for so long--so, so long. And God has rescued me from that life--never to return.

God's gate to His garden is always open to us, to everyone. But, we must choose to enter and then to stay there with Him so that we can have the joy in our dance with Him.

Beautiful again, Spring!!

Beth

Gwen Stewart said...

That was beautiful, with wonderful word pictures. God bless you and thank you so much for sharing those stunning images!

The Blonde Duck said...

There's a sussy for you on my blog!

Sonya Lee Thompson said...

You are such a talented writer, Spring!! I look so forward to reading these love letters to the king! I find myself anticipating them and then soaking in every word. They are a blessing!

Love,
Your Frined,
Sonya

A Free Spirit Butterfly said...

Just stopped by to say Happy Saturday! Hoping that all is well with the family and you guys are doing something fun!

Julie Gillies said...

So beautiful, Spring. Your writing touches the place in me that is a beautiful princess, longing for time with her King.

You are a blessing, and I pray the other writing we discussed is going well for you. I've been praying for you!

Tara Bennett said...

Such a beautiful post. I love the scripture. Thank you for sharing.

Shanita Waters said...

Beautiful! I wasn't able to stop by this weekend. Then I made my way to your blog and there was another letter AND a journal from Mary. Talk about blessings!

I truly enjoyed this and love the scripture that you chose. This is so beautiful. I truly enjoyed reading this.