I'm in No Hurry to Leave Here

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By Bobbi Spargo

It’s early morning as I spread out my blanket beneath the shade of a massive tree where the forest meets the meadow. It will be a gorgeous day. The air is pure, while the temperature is perfect. A breeze carries the tune of rustling leaves through the treetops, as it caresses the carpet of tall grass and brings a soft kiss which lands on my cheek.

I smooth out the blanket, removing sticks and stones from underneath, much like my pup prepares her favorite place to lay. This is my peace rug. My Jesus meets me here.

Our eyes make contact on his approach. His steady gaze draws me close until we’re face to face. He’s right here. He wraps his arms around me in a safe, comforting embrace as he moistens my brow with a sweet kiss. He invites me to sit beside him, to lay my head against his chest. I hear his heart beating in rhythm with my own. The only word he utters is, “rest.”

My eyes fall closed as he runs his fingers through my hair, ever so gently. His other hand rests on my shoulder, occasionally sliding down my arm just enough to bring my awareness to his touch, his closeness. I settle in. This is the gift he brings; peace. Perfect. Peace.

Every so often, I open my eyes to look up and see his gaze. He stares with such love and compassion. His eyes don’t wander off. They are only for me in this moment.

An indescribable warmth permeates my very being. Without moving his mouth to speak, I hear his words. They penetrate the depths of my soul. I’m safe. Protected. Loved. Valued. Cherished. I know, I’m his!

Tears spill over and onto my cheek bones, trickling down my neck and I let them fall. Flow freely my tears. Carry away the pain, the darkness, the nightmares… I don’t stop them. Not anymore. I know they’re for cleansing, bringing me greater clarity, understanding, vision, light. I open my eyes and look at the face of my savior. I notice the tracks of tears on his cheeks. My awareness shifts away from my own emotions, to his. He cries with me. His tears have been dripping onto my cheeks, mingling with my own. I feel each one as it splashes against my skin. They hit hard for just a tear. They’re weighty; warm. He gets me.

What is this overwhelming me in this moment? A greater depth of love than I ever thought was possible… What is it about his tears mixed with mine? It’s like they’re tiny capsules of power, like they are part of my healing. Nothing else seems to matter now. I’m not alone here, so not alone. The day’s activities call me in the distance, but they can wait. I’m in no hurry to leave here. Neither is my Savior. So we stay. We rest. I’m okay. ALL is okay from here.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NASB