An Outing to Meet Up with My Best Friend

One morning, I woke up and felt a very strong desire to go outside and walk to my neighborhood park, where there is also a small field surrounded by trees. I longed to be truly with God there.

I feel the urge to leave.

I slip a warm jacket on,

Take the keys to my house

And head out the door

I walk quietly.

My thoughts racing and determining my attention,

But His voice determining my steps.

My longing for Him.

Determining my destination.

I see it:

the park i went to every day as a child.

i walk through it.

dirt and laughter cover every inch of the playground

that stands firmly yet softly

in the middle of the park.

complete joy seeps into every piece 

of mulch that blankets the ground.

i walk through it

and then past it.

i see the field beyond the playground.

i cross a small stone bride

leading over a small stream of muddy water.

i walk into the field,

the grass shining from the sun reflecting its glory on the morning dew.

like bits of stars and silver scattered for miles,

and only because the sun shines on it.

the grass, joyous and refreshed, lay quietly 

and allows my feet to tread on it.

my footsteps so quiet, i cannot hear them myself.

i survey the field.

an army of steel-grey trees stand tall and confidently

all around me.

the blue sky wrapping itself around every cloud,

the sun shining brightly against my eyes,

the crisp wind caressing my face.

the sun's warmth is enough

and so i take off my jacket.

i see train tracks beyond the trees,

but it is silent 

all around me.

the bellowing roar of the train does not dare disturb

this peace,

where i have sought You

and i have found You.

i know You are everywhere,

but You have called me here to meet You.

and i feel You here.

there is nowhere else I would rather be.

i hear birds chirping and calling to one another.

i cannot see them, but i hear them.

i cannot understand their conversations, 

but i hear them.

my eyes fix on three baby dragonflies flying together.

i cannot hear them, but i see them.

i cannot understand their silent conversation,

but i see them

together.

i crouch softly and observe the tiny water droplets that lay still on the blades of grass.

they silently feed the grass.

i inhale the fresh morning air.

nothing can disturb my peace.

nothing can take me away from this place.

no thought in my mind.

just joy.

i walk on the road that i drove on,

when i was first learning to drive.

oh, how i swerved and panicked, 

fearing that the lack of control would be my ruin,

and forgetting that my own father was beside me

in the passenger seat

encouraging me and believing in me.

i suddenly am stopped dead in my tracks 

when i hear

the rhythmic beating of a woodpecker.

i am in awe.

our God has brought such joy in simplicity.

that if we seek Him, we will find Him,

even in the most unexpected places.

even in the most bleak or meaningful places.

He will call you.

and if you hear Him, 

answer and meet Him. 

How deep God's love is for us.

Nothing can drive it out or weaken it.

i look behind me and see a stream coursing through

a jumble of trees.

the river has made a way despite the obstacles.

It is unstoppable

and has filled the ground,

watering

and filling it with life.

every blade of grass is known by Him.

i am known by Him.

the very "hairs on my head are counted."

His creations are fully loved

and fully known.

i am filled with a warmth that 

no intrusive thought can undermine.

i continue to walk against the chilled and brisk breeze.

i turn my gaze to the sky as i hear

a herd of wild geese flying overhead.

i see them flying

together.

in their iconic v-shape,

headed south

because they know God has something beautiful and better for them.

the same way He called me,

He called these geese from their places,

and has asked them to meet Him.

and there they will find Him and be joyful.

as they fly away,

i begin my journey back to my house.

the house keys in my pocket jingle quietly

as i tread back to my house.

i'm coming back from my meeting with my best friend,

renewed and refreshed.

but i also know that He is everywhere

and is always with me

wherever i go.

Author's Note

this poem also touches on the importance of fellowship in Christ, seeking God in silence, answering His call, remembering His vast love and power through His creation, how he always makes a way even when it seems hopeless, His sovereignty, the pure peace and joy that comes from Him, His perfect will and plans for us, and the kind of relationship(s) He wants to have with us.

* the part with my father in the passenger seat with me is not symbolic for me and God--just to be clear. That image of my father and I was real. However, the encouraging and believing part may have a little point to how God sees us.

For any more reference: read Matthew 10:30 for the line in quotations.

*also, I tried to separate this poem into stanzas but it was so long of a poem, it wouldn't let me, sorry about that!