I went right after work, so I hadn't changed clothes or put on walking shoes. I didn't expect to walk very far. But the sun low in the sky was just so beautiful that I kept walking, and before I knew it, I had reached a part of the trail that I've never been to before. I wanted to know where the Trail lead to, so I kept on going. When I reached about the two-mile mark, my feet were starting to hurt, but I hadn't reached the end yet, and the path before me turned. I decided that I would make the turn, and if I still couldn't see the end, I would turn around and head back. I rounded the curve, and finally was able to see the road at the end of the trail. Now I knew I would be able to make it all the way to the end, and I picked up my pace.
As I reached the end of the trail, I turned around to come back. My feet were really starting to become sore, and I started wondering if I was crazy to walk this far in these shoes, and if I would be able to make it back to my car, which was now 2.5 miles away! Just then, my absolute favorite song, "Agnus Dei" by Michael W. Smith, came on my ipod. This was the version that begins with "The Tribute", from his "Glory" album. I've listened to this song many times before, and even during this particular walk several times. But I had never heard it like I did this time.
(Listen to this song as you read on to get the full effect)
The dynamics of the song build a bit, and I envisioned the rain falling somewhat harder, then as the song quiets again, I felt the rain calming, too. I saw in my mind a rainbow begin to just show a sliver of itself as the song transitioned, and the rain stopped gently.
As Agnus Dei rose in dynamics slowly, I pictured that rainbow, slowly becoming brighter, stronger, and more full.
As the dynamics rose to a climax, the rainbow became a full, arching glorious beauty!
Then, as rainbows and songs do, they both calmed, and the rainbow began to fade along with the song, until there was nothing left but blue sky and puffy white clouds, and the "heavenly," ethereal feeling of the song as it comes to an end. I felt such a sense of joy and peace come over my whole body.
As I continued to walk back toward the entrance, and other songs played on my ipod, I thought more about that experience. I believe it was God's way of telling me to stick this out to the very end, and I will find my "rainbow", just like Abigail (1 Sam. 25). I continued walking, smiling, and whispering the words to the songs (too many houses within earshot for me to sing with my ipod!). I was nearing the entrance to the trail, and the same song came up on my ipod again, as if God was saying "You got the message, girl! Way to Go!" And the song's climax came just as I went under the tunnel, and ended as I emerged on the other side. It was God telling me that He's going to take care of everything for me along the way, even during the "tunnels", and when I emerge on the other side, I will be filled with His peace.
By this time, my feet were killing me, but I realized I had walked faster on the return trip than I had on the first half - possible only with God at my side. And then it hit me - I had just walked 5 miles! I posted on Facebook about my amazing walk, and that I felt 5 miles closer to God!I feel so blessed when I take the time to find a place where I can be alone to experience God's presence without distraction. For me, it involves being surrounded by God's creation, and filling my ears with amazing music.
[As I was reliving my walk, listening to the same music, and writing this, a thought popped into my head: what if my "rainbow" on the other side is a little Haitian daughter (who may even have yet to be born)? I can tell you right now that if that's what God has in store for us, her name is Abigail. ;-) ]
