Yesterday, Sunday, was an unexpected day of freedom (I usually work weekends). I am one of those introverted people that loves people but needs solitude to refuel, and I badly needed a topping up sort of day.
Whether you are single, like me, or married, we all need regular days of solitude and I call them my “date” days – just the Almighty and I spending time together to talk, to rest, to be surprised, to laugh, and to bask in Love, the only Love that allows me to feel completely whole and content. Yesterday was “date” Sunday, Sabbath and Solitude all in a glorious package of sunshine, shalom, restorative silence and a special meal out. It may have looked like I was sitting alone at my table in the sunshine at Horseshoe Bay, looking up at the mountains, writing, and reading – but I was not. My unseen “date” was Yeshua – the one I am growing to love more deeply, to become more intimate and honest with, and the one who created the whole scene on the restaurant deck, and offered me an invitation to accompany him. Being bathed in sunshine, the wind whispering against my skin, the serenade of winged life,and the inhaling and exhaling of the sea, held a love that imprints itself on my soul and brings life.
Several weeks ago I rushed in late to an appointment and the only parking spot was on the far edge in tall grass. When I returned to my car the still wet grass tickled my brightly painted bare toes and swished against the hem of my full red skirt. I stopped, inhaled, held my breath and slowly wiggled my toes, swayed my hips and began to laugh! There was no visible stop sign but indeed there was “Surprise” whispered in the morning sunshine that dared me to stop and be fully present in this moment of childlike delight and wonder. Its taste still lingers in my mind.
Driving through the Rockies recently and hurrying to make it through to Vancouver in order to catch the last ferry up the coast, my friend and I were making excellent time. This is the season for rock slides along the Trans Canada Highway and sure enough one had just happened – stopping all traffic for 4 hours. My friend was anxious to be home and she was restless and annoyed at this delay, while I could only begin to laugh! My trunk always has two folding arm chairs, there was plenty of bottled water and fruit in the cooler and the most glorious view to sit back and enjoy. Above the roar of the refrigeration trailers I could hear the varied songs of birds, the crashing of water that had changed from the ice it was high above and become cold clear running water splashing down the rock face. Again nature had conspired to stop the rush and open my senses to what I could only enjoy by being still. Our supper was indeed sacred communion - we enjoyed whole wheat crackers, cream cheese and red current jelly!
I find myself wanting to be surprised more often and my heart opening more readily to completely embracing these moments of Divine etching on my soul.