Once in awhile we are pushed to clear ourselves from impurities or insecurities in our lives. Comfortable people are the least likely to move. But that also means they are the least likely to move others. In the end the question then becomes, which do I want to be comfortable or moving others? Can I deal with the cleansing and accept that things will be new and different on the other side?
As I have said in a couple of posts this Spring has somehow moved me to purify things; my house, my relationships, my life. Today in yet another step on that journey I felt pulled to going hiking by myself. I didn't have much time and there were a couple of requirements; it had to be high and overlooking the water. I chose Chimney Rock. As I walked up the canyon I felt heavy and burdened, knowing I was being pushed to move so that I too could move people. Each step was difficult, my breath labored. I knew what I was coming up to this peak to do. I knew I had to release the weight, give it all to God.
We have to be open to shaping. We are shaped much like that canyon I was hiking through. Water rolls over us and we are molded, softened. It winds around our souls guiding us to move this way and that. Sometimes, like in the Spring, the water pushes hard against us forcing a change so that by Summer we might rest in the still waters.
I continued climbing trying to determine what I was being led to do; jump, lead or follow. A leap of faith takes all three. When I arrived at the top I sat and looked out over the canyon below with the river winding its path and shaping continually the life of all that surrounds it. I saw the rapids where the water is rough because the rocks are still jagged, they haven't been softened yet. I saw the still waters where the deep envelops. I saw the riffles, the pools, the movement. Taking it in I spoke softly all that has been on my mind. I reached at my feet and found a rock. I took the rock in my hand. It had not been shaped by the river recently, its location to high to be touched. It symbolized my soul. I moved that rock and began stepping towards the base of the Chimney that is Chimney Rock. Tears began to stream down my face. I lifted my wishes, hopes, dreams and all that I needed to be cleansed from and laid it down at the base of the rock, giving it all to God. I sat back down on the bench and broke out in song.
The journey down was lighter. I didn't feel as burdened but I still knew I had more work ahead. My river has not stopped shaping me and I still have many rough edges. Don't we all though? It is when we let go of those rough edges that they become softened. Discomfort is just a massage from above forcing us to move so we can move others.
No comments:
Post a Comment