Peace

This time of the year I usually find myself more introspective; more melancholy. There is a change in the air. Another year is fast coming to an end. I find myself, once again, contemplating where I’ve been and where I am going.

This year has had more ups than downs. I ended a long relationship. I found a great part-time job which has turned into a full-time job. I will be finishing my associate’s degree.  My oldest child started college. I had to put my dog to sleep. I gained another cat (put that in whichever category you wish!). I have reconnected with old friends; made new friends; deepened some relationships that I have neglected.

I went for a walk today to reflect on some of these things. Sometimes, I feel restless and have to get outside. It was just me and my daughter’s dog, Chloe. I chose not to put in my headphones. I wanted time with God. So, Chloe and I walked for an hour at a local park.

We passed a few people, but the park was not crowded. As we approached the end of our walk, I realized that as usual, my mind wandered all over the place. I thought, “Well, so much for an epiphany from God.” I knew it was my fault, though. I let my mind go.


 Then new thoughts slipped in:

“Didn’t you feel the gentle breeze through your hair? Did you see the golden sun rays streaming through the grey clouds? What about the ripple of waves across the water as the wind blew? Did you notice the little bits of gold and red of the leaves still holding on? Did you miss the sound of a hawk and the blue jays? Didn’t you see the ducks as they paddled across the water? “

Then the epiphany: God did meet with me even though my thoughts wandered. He met with me through my senses and He infused my soul with His peace.