A Dusty Path


By Marcia K. Leaser

March 8, 2006

                              

            It had been a long day, and I came home tired and discouraged. I was sick of trying to make ends meet on the salary I was being paid. Minimum wage wasn't enough to live on with two teen-agers to feed.

            My life had been so meaningless lately... going nowhere it seemed.  Like something was missing.

            Relaxing on the couch, I closed my eyes and imagined life as a dusty path.  I wandered it alone, thirsty, tired, and afraid.

            Then suddenly I saw a man. I knew Him, but it had been a long time since I'd spent time with Him. 

            It was Jesus.  I once knew Him well when He walked with me on this dusty path.  I remembered that when He and I walked together, my life was less chaotic.

            When had we parted?  I couldn't remember if it had been gradual or sudden.  All I knew was, that now, seeing Him again made me aware of the void that was a result of not having Him near. 

            I felt ashamed, realizing He'd been waiting for me to return.

            In my mind, I thought of a million excuses why I'd left.  When, He saw me His face light up with a smile of recognition.  His eyes held mine, and I was no longer ashamed.  Instead, I was filled with a joy I'd not known for a long, long time. 

            My Lord didn't fret about what had happened while I was away.  All that mattered was; I was home!

            I tossed aside all my lame excuses and ran into His open arms.

            Never once did He say man's favorite put down: "Well, are you through feeling sorry for yourself?"  No, instead, He held out His arms, and with eyes full of love, He said, "Come, you need to cry."

            I knew things wouldn't change overnight.  I'd not find a high-paying job immediately.  I knew I could become discouraged again.  He knew it also, but at this moment none of that mattered.  I was where I belonged. 

            I awoke with a start.  Blinking in the bright sunshine I wondered.  Have I been dreaming?  But the warm glow I felt deep inside told me it was much more than that. 

            A dream is generally forgotten when you awaken. Not this one.  This was written on my very soul. 

            Knowing I'd carry it with me throughout the days and years that lay before me, I smiled a special smile.  My friendship had just been renewed with Jesus Christ on the dusty path of life.

 

 

 



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