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Topic: Peace (03/15/04)
TITLE: Transcending Peace By Ann Marie Lindenmeyer 03/15/04 |
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Her life had been so stressful recently that she had gotten lost in her overwhelming responsibilities. God had been speaking upon deaf ears because she hadn't been taking the time to listen. This backpacking trip was such a blessing. God always knew what was best for her even if she couldn't see it for herself.
It had been a long time since she had gotten away from reality; work, the cell phone, and the kids. She was one with nature, miles away from normal civilization. The hiking paths were beautifully wooded with tall, aging trees. There was a tremendous feeling of serenity while walking through such a natural environment.
The paths would break open onto rocky cliff ledges up to 200 feet above the water below them. The water extended into the horizon and created a peaceful harmony as it met the sky. She was traveling back to base camp that day as she stood on one of these cliffs absorbing the beauty for one last moment. Her memories reflected back to earlier that morning.
She had gotten ready and packed up her items earlier than the rest of the group. She ventured down to the small beach they had visited the evening before. The sand had felt so soft as it crept between her toes. She had walked out onto the rocks and sat to marvel at God's glorious beauty.
She closed her eyes and prayed as she felt the presence of her Lord embrace her. As she opened her eyes, her gaze turned toward the cliff walls where she had stood just one day before. The morning sun shone perfectly against the rocks as if God was shining His light upon that very location for her to see. Tears fell from her eyes as she felt consumed by His love and grace. A feeling of peace transcended upon her, a peace that could only have been experienced because of the one on one time she had spent with her Lord.
As her eyes viewed the last magnificent picture from the cliff side, she felt content. God knew she needed this renewal of spirit and the peace of mind knowing He was always present. She turned and made her way down the path back into the woods. She knew it would be different when she returned home, God had given her a new inner strength that could only be given by Him, her glorious Savior and Lord Almighty.
She walked along, longing to stay, but knowing she couldn't. She would take a piece of this life-changing, spiritual moment with her forever. She quietly reflected and thanked God for giving her a gift of peace that she had so desperately needed.
Copyright 2004, Ann Marie "Ree" Brown.