"Courage, dear heart," said Aslan.~C.S. Lewis (From The Voyage of the Dawn Treader)

I didn't want to leave. Couldn't tear myself away. For the millionth time I walked to the tidal creek in an attempt to sort through my thoughts and feelings. And for the millionth and one time that terrain welcomed me into its embrace, like a friend who listens and says just the right thing. So many times that landscape had heard my longings and witnessed my melancholy. My joy. 

Today was no different. The walk down the road allowed me to observe banks of pink azaleas and a cerulean sky. When I reached the tidal shore, the breeze grazed the gray-green waters, creating such enticing currents, that I yearned for a boat that would take me where they led. I listened to classical music on my headphones, the sound elegant, almost royal. Here, I could open my palms and receive the majesty of the day. 

Earlier in the morning, I'd opened a tea bag, and the saying stapled to the string read, "This Life Is A Gift."  I thought that appropriate for the scary times we are in now during this National State of Emergency. We've all tasted that flavor of fear over these years with climate change, political unrest and wars. Refugees with nowhere to go. It's an awful, bitter taste. And now this.

Being at the tidal creek offered me some insight, though. Like always. I remembered the times I'd make myself go there when I was undergoing cancer treatment. I was so weak, yet when I arrived, something happend to strengthen me. I can only explain that it was the peace of Jesus. Not something of this world. I'd take my cap off, and let that breeze blow over my bald head, and even with tears streaming down my face, I sensed the peace of God, the one who said, "Courage, dear heart." The One who listened. The One who said just the right thing. And even in my dilapidated state, I knew my life was precious, and I was certain I could trust Him even in the worst of times. Even now I do the same.

May it be so with you, kind readers. I pray you the peace and grace of our Lord Jesus. Courage, dear hearts.