31 Moments in Time :: the road home

An InLinkz Link-up

I have a pinterest board called "it's a secret thing" and it is full of pictures of paths and trails that all lead somewhere but you can not tell from the vantage point you have what lies beyond.  The paths are enticing, they draw me in and each one seems to hold a secret worthy of discovery.

You can't see it from here but beyond this tree line is a place worthy of discovery.  What awaits is a warm place to sit in the sun on a chilly, fall afternoon. A cool, shady spot to lay in an outdoor bed on a hot summer day. A fire to warm you from the winter wind, and happy crocus to greet you on a spring morning.  Peace and rest from a weary day. Laughter and happiness to bring you cheer when you are worn. Grace and forgiveness when you have missed the mark, and comfort when you are sad.  

Beyond this tree line sits a house built with logs, each one carved with love and care by its' creator. The house grew because its' family grew until one day it was so full of love and life that it became a home.  A haven for the weary, a place to belong and be accepted. A place to try and fail, and try again, a practice pad for real life.  A second chance for those cast out, both 4 legged and 2, and a dinner table that always has room for more.

Beyond this tree line also lies sadness.  Nothing is ever perfect, nor should it be. All sunshine only makes a desert.  It is in these sad times that we learn what true treasures are and to store up those treasures in Heaven where moth and rust cannot destroy.  

Beyond this tree line is the place I call home and the man who loves me.  We have created many memories here.  In my mind I see babies fresh from the tub, dancing nake-nake by the fire.  I see their smiles and I hear their laughter. I close my eyes and I can smell their clean skin and feel their damp hair against my lips as I kiss their heads.   I see toothless grins and grins with brand new teeth that seem so big they will never grow into them.  I hear flutes, french horns and violins, drums and guitars, hours worth of practice which now in my memory sound so sweet....  I smell stinky football uniforms and bleach, wet dogs and dirty socks. I feel the silky satin of baby blankets and prom dresses... I have wiped tears and noses and cleaned up things I'd rather not think about, but what I remember most is laughter, so much laughter it echoes through the trees even now...

Beyond this tree line is a place where you are always welcome.  Come in and dine and we will laugh and cry, and learn about life and the gift that God has created in us to share with the world.

This post was written as part of a 31 day writing challenge, to read more of my stories in the challenge, click my 31 days link.  Thanks!