Falling…
It's night, a perfect crescent moon contrasts the dark sky, millions of glimmering stars fill the surrounding back drop as I walk through an opening in the midst of wooded lands. The sound of crunching leaves and infrequent howl of distant coyote are the only that pierce the perfect stillness. The leaves adding to the freedom of the moment, lie in thick carpet, as if welcoming in any direction; their unique and beautifully nostalgic scent hanging in the fresh cool air… becoming richer every moment as dew moistens their range of shape and color.
These leaves, only a few short days ago stood as the high-lifted glory of many a mighty oak, poplar, and vine, the life of each now distinctively fading, are the objects of many a playing child's glee. The same will continue to break down, and become nothing more than a part of the very soil in which their former bearer stands rooted.
Tree and vine stand stripped and apparently lifeless, as if deserted in the darkness, each casting long shadow across the open ground and over the now dead and dying leaves that once filled their branches. My mind races forward… temperatures drop as fall gives way to winter; the season's first snowflakes fly, bringing with them the shock of startling cold. However, what now jolts the entire being of every plant, tree and flower with stinging chill, will soon become a covering of both of warmth and protection. These which the initial cold flakes jolt, will become their protectees. As each faces a lonely fight for survival against the deadly freeze, they will find rest beneath blanket upon blanket of the very flakes they now despise.
A gentle breeze wisps through the stillness, and then Father's voice, calm almost musical taking precedence in my consciousness. "I Am…I am the Vine, you are a branch, I emptied myself that my joy might be in you and your joy might be full, if you will but lose your life you will find Life. I discipline every son I receive, because I love you, it is for your protection. Will you lose your life? Stand exposed in humility and honesty in order to discover the blossoming power of my Life through deeper levels of intimacy?"
The air is cooler now, the dew soaked leaves have a cold yet delicate white trim as frost begins to thicken across the ground. I notice as my footsteps become visible that next to my own lay those of feet much larger, yet they have never taken longer stride. He could have walked much faster than I, yet I get the impression it is not the walk He is interested in but rather being by my side.
"My son, do not walk as a child, but rather accept the fact you are one. Accept you childhood, my Fatherhood, and walk in the delight of our relationship."
Hearty and joyous laughter fills the night as He playfully throws me up into the cool air; His arms outstretched to catch me… I am falling…
It's night, a perfect crescent moon contrasts the dark sky, millions of glimmering stars fill the surrounding back drop as I walk through an opening in the midst of wooded lands. The sound of crunching leaves and infrequent howl of distant coyote are the only that pierce the perfect stillness. The leaves adding to the freedom of the moment, lie in thick carpet, as if welcoming in any direction; their unique and beautifully nostalgic scent hanging in the fresh cool air… becoming richer every moment as dew moistens their range of shape and color.
These leaves, only a few short days ago stood as the high-lifted glory of many a mighty oak, poplar, and vine, the life of each now distinctively fading, are the objects of many a playing child's glee. The same will continue to break down, and become nothing more than a part of the very soil in which their former bearer stands rooted.
Tree and vine stand stripped and apparently lifeless, as if deserted in the darkness, each casting long shadow across the open ground and over the now dead and dying leaves that once filled their branches. My mind races forward… temperatures drop as fall gives way to winter; the season's first snowflakes fly, bringing with them the shock of startling cold. However, what now jolts the entire being of every plant, tree and flower with stinging chill, will soon become a covering of both of warmth and protection. These which the initial cold flakes jolt, will become their protectees. As each faces a lonely fight for survival against the deadly freeze, they will find rest beneath blanket upon blanket of the very flakes they now despise.
A gentle breeze wisps through the stillness, and then Father's voice, calm almost musical taking precedence in my consciousness. "I Am…I am the Vine, you are a branch, I emptied myself that my joy might be in you and your joy might be full, if you will but lose your life you will find Life. I discipline every son I receive, because I love you, it is for your protection. Will you lose your life? Stand exposed in humility and honesty in order to discover the blossoming power of my Life through deeper levels of intimacy?"
The air is cooler now, the dew soaked leaves have a cold yet delicate white trim as frost begins to thicken across the ground. I notice as my footsteps become visible that next to my own lay those of feet much larger, yet they have never taken longer stride. He could have walked much faster than I, yet I get the impression it is not the walk He is interested in but rather being by my side.
"My son, do not walk as a child, but rather accept the fact you are one. Accept you childhood, my Fatherhood, and walk in the delight of our relationship."
Hearty and joyous laughter fills the night as He playfully throws me up into the cool air; His arms outstretched to catch me… I am falling…
~Written by C. Matlock
