Walking through the mist, a brisk breeze passes through the canyon of our heart. We feel we’ve been walking for years, yet really, we stopped counting the days long ago. Sometimes the wind strengthens to a storm. The sands blow abrasively, and sparks fly. We’re terrified, the clouds now darkened seem to envelope us. What’s going on?! Where are we?! Why are we still here?! How much longer must we be stuck in this mist? We’re tired. Still, we know we must keep walking. We must keep pushing through. Yes, the winds are cold. Yes, the sparks are hot. Yup, they’ve caught fire too. Still, onward we go. Even nearly blinded here, we keep walking. Suddenly we feel something strike us. It emerges like a flash of lightning, and next thing we knew it was pouring. The rain fell relentlessly. Our canyon was flooding. We climbed into a cave and cried. We sobbed even. When was the last time we let these tears flow? Even when we wanted to, it never happened, yet here we are, amidst the pouring rain. Hidden in our cave we let our tears pour down until our eyes were dry like the once parched land. We felt weak and vulnerable. We dared not leave our cave. How could we? We let all those feelings escape. Surely, we’d never leave the mist now. Then, suddenly we felt something warm. It was like a gentle sunlight. Its warmth seeped in, as if beckoning us to emerge. We lifted our chin and peered over. Amidst the now thinned mist, was an outstretched hand. Rays of sunlight danced around it. Its surface glistened as if flecked in gold. We were scared; was it really okay to reach back? After everything that happened, was it truly okay? The hand reached further, with it, the sunlight grew brighter. We stood up, and then peered over. We’d been hurt by hands so many times it was unclear if this one would too. Still, we yearned to try again. The rain was still falling softly, as we carefully exited our cave. Its water gently caressed us and washed away the dust. We looked around and saw many new plants emerging from the ground. The parched land had taken in the floodwater and found new life. As we carefully treaded this seemingly new land, we felt something new. A glimmer of sorts. We were ready to try again. Still, was that hand there? Had it waited for us? We took quite a while. Hesitantly we looked up from our mist. To our dismay, it was still there. Suddenly, the glimmer sparked. Once more we cried, but this time, a smile glowed across our face. We felt so relieved, and a sense of hope once more. Carefully we began to reach our own hand outward. We paused a moment, but then reached further until we grasped it. It was warm and filled with such heartfelt care. We felt safe and accepted. We knew it was going to be okay. Then something amazing happened.
As the warmth enveloped us, the sunlight grew brighter. It expanded, growing brighter still until it surrounded us. A great warm breeze then passed through, as a rainbow radiated hope across the sky. Its vibrant colors healed my hurting heart alongside the warmth. The mist cleared, revealing a new land. This land was abundant in life, and vibrant greenery surrounded us. A multitude of flowers bloomed beautifully. Theirs uplifting fragrance filled the air. Our favorite roses were just footsteps away. In the distance, clear water flowed across the lush mountain. The air was crisp and pure. We laughed a bit and couldn’t help but dance. The birds then appeared, just as the leaves joined in our dance with the wind. Their song was so splendid we just had to sing along. It was everything we’d dreamed of. We finally made it out of the mist! As we looked over, we knew we weren’t alone. The warmth that had lifted us up surrounded us lovingly. Now we walk onward. Our fear may cloud us again, but we know the warmth will always find us. Then, stronger we’ll emerge as we ignite the vibrant life all around.
To those whom may get stuck in their own clouds, we stand with you. We know how much it can hurt. how hard it can be to keep walking. Still, we also know of the warmth and light that’s always there waiting for each of us. If you need to cry, be brave and let it flow. If you need some space that’s okay. If you want someone who can see you as you are, keep onward, and eventually you will be found. Keep the hope, for that warm light is always there waiting for us all. Find the courage to take the steps, and then, be brave and bloom. We believe in you!!! Much love to all!!!
