Take Me Away

I crumple in my chair, staring blankly at the window pane and let out a deep breath that seemed like I’d been holding in for ages. There’s a feeling of defeat trying to overtake me. I have a sense for the need to get away, but I know right now this is impossible. My fingers run aimlessly over the keys on the old typewriter. I fling the window open and feel the warmth of the gentle breeze just on that edge between spring and summer. I can hear the noise of the cars in the distance and children laughing as they play. The smells of grass and flowers permeate the air and take me back to a time where there was much more hope and freedom in my life. It wasn’t because of lack of problems. It was because I knew where to go.

I begin tapping the keys and writing what I recall. I’m transported to the days I could disappear for hours, taking in the views of the reservoir and surrounding trails. The scent of pine fills my nostrils and happy processions of geese, proudly displaying their new goslings behind them, waddle out of my way. I can feel the sunshine on my face as I look around at the wonder of countless flowers popping up in obscure places along the rocky shores and banks of the water. Birds are flitting about the cattails and I hear the plops of turtles jumping off the fallen logs into the water as I pass by.

This is where I could let out all of the stress and uncertainties plaguing my mind and really tune in to the voice of my Beloved. I can hear His voice speaking sweet words of love over me. With each word another burden is lifted off my shoulders that they were never meant to bear. As I speed up my pace into a run all the hurt and anguish well up to overflowing tears, but when they hit the ground more weight falls off. Around every turn I take I feel lighter because I hear Him clearly say, “Accepted, cherished, wanted, chosen, treasure, protected, desired, provided for.“

I’m shaken out of this precious memory when I feel the wetness from my tears dripping down my face onto my hands. The warm breeze gently blows against my skin almost wiping the tears away. I can hear my Beloved whisper, “Come away with Me. I Am still here. I’ve never left you. You’ve just been too busy and taken on more burdens that you couldn’t hear me.”

More tears well up in my eyes and spill down my cheeks.

“Give them to Me again. Won’t you let me carry them for you?” He says. “The rest you seek, the escape you need, is just a breath away. My hands are open. My shoulders are big enough. My love for you is strong enough.”

I hold out my hands and release everything I’ve been carrying and once again I’m on that trail running through the dirt and gravel, but now the hurt and anguish are gone and I am free.