Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Retreat (as in quiet time away) (08/01/05)
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TITLE: Yahweh-Adonai | Previous Challenge Entry
By Maxx .
08/06/05 -
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The mountain, solid and dark, erupts from the lakeshore like a monolithic temple. Its roots gouge the earth, boring deep beneath the surface. Its grasp is firm. Boulders larger than buildings, cast from the pinnacle, have settled like kneeling worshipers along its base. It is the horizon, the beginning and end. Its voice rumbles with authority. Nature obeys.
An eagle takes flight. Massive wings beat against the untainted air. She soars across the morning at heights unfathomable to the earthbound. As the sun crests the summit she descends, following shafts of light as if on celestial rails. The lake surface nears, she dips, talons flashing. An explosion of water beneath. Her wings begin their rhythm once again and she climbs above the forests, rainbow trout in tow. She calls out and her voice echoes forever.
The majesty of God strengthens me.
Yahweh-Adonai, the foundations of the universe pale before you. Yet you know my name and promise to be with me. I am not worthy of your attention, but still you are here.
A drop of dew slips along the vein of a fern. The leaf bends, as if bowing in thanks, causing the liquid to spill. It becomes suspended between earth and sky. In that instant a spark from the horizon finds a way through the green canopy above. Water becomes crystalline, a prism, and a million rainbows dance about the underbrush, God’s promise remembered and remembered again. Then, released to gravity, the droplet falls onto thirsty roots.
A rivulet, fed by a spring, trickles over a ledge of marble. It cascades into a pool below. Each splash becomes a syllable; each drip, an intonation. In response to continuous gifts the pond gurgles a never ending song of thanksgiving. It’s as resplendent as the translucent water that is its source. As the basin is filled, so it feeds and blessings flow into the forest. Nature is rejuvenated.
A doe peaks from behind the reeds. She steps one movement at a time then stops and looks behind. A motion, the branches rustle, and twin fawns joins her. She leads them to the shore where the slope is gentle and the water still. They drink, first the infants and then the mother. They graze in pastures that are lush and bountiful before disappearing once again behind a shelter of foliage.
The charity of Christ regenerates me.
Yahweh-Adonai, I weep at the sacrifices you made for me. I can never repay the gift of your blood. Yet you wait patiently, your hand extended, ever offering more. I am not worthy of your generosity, but still you are here.
Mist, ethereal and delicate, moves through branches of pine and oak. It caresses and surrounds. It bathes with each bead of moisture until nighttime has been removed from every surface. It lingers in the morning. It fills the valleys and encircles the mountain. Each suspended droplet amplifies the rising sun, refracting waves of light and chasing away the shadows.
The fragrance of morning glories mingles with the scent of lilies newly opened. Redwood and lavender waft along the trails and streams. The aroma of earth and mud roll damply in the background, the pallet from which all else is painted. Seed and spawn, branch and bark, fungus and flower all add to the exhalation that envelops and supplants. Nature breathes.
The air stirs. It lives. A breeze swells from the mountain top and washes about the trees. It moves and whispers. “Hush, hush, don’t cry. I’m here. I’m here.” It drifts into the dark places. It freshens the low lands and fills them with a new hope. Branches bow before it. Fallen leaves flee from its path but it clears them away. It can’t be held back or restrained.
The movement of the Spirit fills me.
Yahweh-Adonai, I tremble at your touch. I am too fragile a vessel to contain your breath. Yet you continue to fill me despite my blemishes. I am not worthy of your presence, but still you are here.
The crinkled pages of a Bible, puckered from tears of fatigue and despair, dry with the recognition of Yahweh-Adonai in the birth of a new day.
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The description here is beyond amazing. Interestingly, someone very close in my family worships the images of nature such as those described here - rather than the Creator of them.
In the midst of the imagery, though, the constant reminder of the Source feels so soothing and comforting. Thank you for sharing this awesome piece of work. Obviously, you've "been there".....
Blessings, Lynda
Simply beautiful writing! Your selection and connection to the English language is amazing. You always seem to choose the best possible word to bring forth the EXACT meaning or feeling. Great job once again.
Jo
yeggy