"We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails." Proverbs 19:21 MSG
"I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." John 16:33 MSG
I decided a quick run before class would be beneficial so that I could take off some of the weight from my heart. The cool breeze felt nice as it hit my face. I instantly entered a stage of peace. It was only my second lap around the park when the song "All I Need Is You" by Hillsong came on. After the first verse I remember saying to God, "I just want to be with you right now". I walked off of the track and headed towards the bundle of beautiful trees. I found a comfortable spot and dropped to the ground.
With eyes closed, and the only sound I hear is the music coming from my earphones, I pay close attention to my other senses. The wind is blowing, causing my pony tail to swing side to side. I smell freshly cut grass mixed with the smell of pond water. The sun is kissing my skin so gracefully from behind the leafless tree to my right.
I get a sudden urge to open my eyes and it's like someone whispered in my ear "now". So at that moment, that's what I did. A nice man in purple detoured off the track and through the hills and the trees, ran right in front of my view of the pond, and waved with a polite smile.
This was God speaking to me, and this is what he said:
"Celi, it's not always going to be easy. You are going to have to take the hard route sometimes, but I promise you it's going to be so rewarding in the end. Just trust me ! I know the desires of your heart. I placed them all right where there are. I have a plan for you, daughter. I need you to be patient. I need you to be still. I need you to be obedient. Stop trying to understand why I have you where I have you right now. Trust that I will reveal to you in the end why it had to be this way. You will be dancing in the fields one day, but for now I need you to run off of the safe track and into the challenging hills. I'll be with you every step of the way, just trust me."
With Anthony Hamilton playing in my ear, I took a few minutes to take in my surroundings. Children playing, laughing, and chasing ducks back into the water. Butterflies crossing my view of sight. Bees searching for a place to land. The leaves changing colors already. I looked up and my eye was fixed on one single leaf that was falling from the tree it once belonged to. Once it hit the ground with such elegance, another thought came to mind.
Fall, my favorite season. This season has been my favorite ever since I was a small child. I love all the colors of fall. I love how the leaves selflessly fall from the trees to leave room for new life. I love the breeze that brings you into the arms of the one you love. Fall, the start of the holiday season when families get together to share meals and time together. This is my season... this is my peace.
On my knees in the middle of the park, I feel Him close.
Never have I publicly dropped to my knees in awe of your presence, until now.
No feeling of shame; for God already took that away.
"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd. By faith, we see the world called into existence by God's word, what we see created by what we don't see." Hebrews 11:1-3 MSG
