It's March--and it's snowing outside.
A snowstorm in March is almost unheard of, but here it is. Spring had just begun to show; the daffodils appeared out of nowhere last Sunday morning. The Bradford Pears were just starting to blossom. But this evening, Nature is hosting one last Winter Ball.
One last swirling, silvery storm, transforming the earth into Faeryland. Nature has donned her virginal satin, every branch woven into delicate lace. Her shimmering veil dances in the wind.
Winter's last, lingering embrace enfolding me in its exquisite mantle. His last soft kisses dropped upon my face and hair, as if pleading for me to remember him when he is gone. For Winter loves all his children, though most people only think him harsh and grim.
There's a certain special silence in a snowy night. It calls me to walk in it, and how can I refuse? Obediently I bundle up, slip out of the warm house, and set off down the street.
Throwing back my hood, I cast my eyes upward into the cascading dance of the snowflakes. The silence without seeps into my soul, with a deep peace stealing over my body.
I would not dare to utter my voice, but my heart is thrilling with song. Unsung, but quivering and stirring far below, just like the sleeping earth beneath my feet.
"I am not barren!" my heart sings jubilantly within me. "I never was!"
All along I was bearing the fruit of righteousness. God sees me as a fruitful vine, with His Spirit abiding within me. No, I was never barren. It took me a long time to understand that, but now I finally do.
As I traverse into the storm, I keep my footsteps light. This marvelous stillness must not be broken. I gaze about me, drinking in all the beauty. I find myself scanning the horizon, wondering if tonight I will finally get to see my friend again.
Ah, yes. My friend the Guide who brought me home that extraordinary Christmas Eve six years ago when I lost my way. I called him the Stranger then, but I've remembered him and his words nearly every day since, so I can hardly call him a Stranger. I think of him as a "Guide," now, because I never did learn his name.
He told me we would meet again and we have, twice now. He remains as mysterious as ever. I don't know if he comes and goes as he pleases, or if he's under Orders, but whatever the case is, I never know when our paths will cross.
The first time was almost a year after we met in the Forest. It was a normal Saturday, and I was driving on a road right here in town. I rounded a bend, and he was standing on the sidewalk, smiling at me. The wind was in his cloak, and his face shone with goodwill. He must've known I was doing much better. I waved frantically, and the next instant he was behind me. I guess I wasn't supposed to speak to him then.
The last time was one horrible night nearly three years ago. It was one of those dark nights of the soul, when the pain of injustice and twisted words made me scream aloud in tortured fury. I wept all night long. But that night I saw my friend the Guide again. In the laundry room, if you can believe it. Which I suppose sounds creepy, but it wasn't. I don't think he's a regular person, but as to what he is, your guess is as good as mine. I wasn't expecting him, but somehow I wasn't really surprised when I opened the door and saw him standing there. He reasoned with me for a while, and that calmed me down a little.
I haven't seen him since, though I look for him all the time. Sometimes I think I catch a glimpse of him in a crowd. Sometimes I get a feeling like he's about to turn up, but he hasn't. I suppose that's for the best, I mean, he's got to be under Orders.
I miss him, though. It'd be nice to thank him properly. And...I...wish I could tell him where I am now. All that I've learned while walking on the Path. I got lost when I was searching for my own way, but when I follow the King's path I am found.
Then again, I have an inkling that he knows where I am now and what's happened since. Like I said, he's under Orders. If he's supposed to know, he does. I have to content myself with that.
But for this Winter night, I'm going to bask in its glory. Right now, it's high time I go inside and get something hot to drink and nice to eat. I'll put on my comfy clothes and soft slippers. Maybe I'll curl up under the covers and read a book.
I need not stir early in the morning. All is going to be very well.
~Cadenza
