Many years ago, in my 20s, I had this dream that I was driving down a narrow road through the woods. I knew water ran beside me -maybe a river – beyond the trees. The road curved to the right as it led out of the woods and disappeared into a large body of water, as if there had been a flood. I found that I was on a tiny peninsula. I stopped the car and got out. Fog enveloped me so that I could only see a few feet in any direction. The water appeared calm and milky. I didn’t want to go back, but I felt unsure, because I couldn’t see the path. I didn’t know how narrow the path was, or how deep the water was on each side of the path. Even if I could have seen the path, I didn’t know where it would take me.
Something must have told me to step forward, out into the water. As I lifted my right foot and moved it forward over the water, a flat, circular stone rose up out of the water directly under my foot. I stepped onto the stone, first with one foot, then the other. Then, I tried it again. As I moved my left foot forward, another grey stepping stone rose out of the pale water, and I stepped on it.
I don’t know what happened after that. Perhaps the lesson was done. As I remember that long ago dream, I remember the lesson that has been presented to me over and over in various ways – that sometimes we have to take steps in faith. Over the years, my steps, divinely guided when I paid attention, have readied me for a gift of love I could not have imagined. Now it is time to trust that love and that the stepping stones will rise to support me as I prepare to move into a new direction.
In three months, I will make a major change in my life. It’s a little scary, but exciting. It is a change that I believe will improve my mental, emotional and physical health. It will allow more time for creative work, more freedom, and more authenticity for my soul.
The road ahead is becoming clear. I can see it, now. And I know the stepping stones will be there if I need them.
It’s interesting that my daughter is also preparing for a major change in her life that will take her body about three hundred miles away from me. I know it’s not that far, but it’s hard to fully realize that at 22 years of age, my once upon a time baby girl is now a grown woman. It’s a little scary-for me.
I will have faith that the stepping stones will be there for her, too.
(Photos from pixabay.com)
March 2, 2016 at 7:36 pm
I am sure you upcoming change will be wonderful. You have a great outlook on life and I loved your memoir. I am sure you daughter will take after he Mom. Good Luck and God Bless. :o)
March 2, 2016 at 9:23 pm
Thank you so much, Patricia, for your support and encouragement! I hope to publish the long version of the memoir by Christmas.
March 3, 2016 at 6:53 am
Best wishes with the upcoming changes. I’m sure Love will guide you all safely and joyfully along the stepping stones.
March 3, 2016 at 7:18 am
Thank you, Joanne, for these comforting best wishes! Love surely will!
March 3, 2016 at 6:10 pm
Without change, you are standing still. I don’t like standing still.
March 3, 2016 at 10:39 pm
I never could stand still for long. Thanks for this encouraging perspective, Don!
March 3, 2016 at 10:40 pm
You’re welcome.
March 3, 2016 at 9:52 pm
Bonsoir JOANNA je viens t’offrir

La fleur de L’amitié prends en soin
L’amitié à une grande place dans la vie
A toi de la garder
Certaines places sont cassables
Mais une amitié fidèle ne peut pas se briser
Alors donnons nous la main
Belle soirée , bises , Bernard
Belle fin de semaine
March 4, 2016 at 7:01 am
Thank you, Bernard. I hope you have a beautiful weekend, too.
March 4, 2016 at 1:32 am
I love your dream. I think it is true that we have to move forward without certainty but with faith. I know what it is like to have a daughter living 300 miles away as well. It is hard to be separated but we are still close. ❤
March 4, 2016 at 7:05 am
Thank you, Deborah. I’m glad you and your daughter are still close. I wonder if our communication becomes more intentional or more cherished over time and distance. It wouldn’t surprise me.
March 4, 2016 at 8:40 am
I know the communication and connections means so much to me now that I can’t see her as much as I would like to. 🙂
March 4, 2016 at 7:43 am
What a great dream! So clear…even though it was foggy.
Peace
Mary
March 4, 2016 at 8:55 am
It is one that has stayed with me for many years.