SOLEMN JOURNEY

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER ONE

         At the start, the North road is long and narrow, seemingly straight. I know from whence I have come and where I am going --- away, anywhere but here, to someplace new, bright and serene, a place where hope and happiness flow freely.
         Summer is drawing to a close. The leaves are varied shades of orange and red, while the grasses remain a vibrant kelly-green, billowing in the breeze.
         Along the path I tread, the way is often rough. With a mix of rocks jutting upward... and potholes, I stumble easily. At other times the path is smooth, yet dust blows in and my way is temporarily hidden. I remember God formed man from the dust of the earth; and to dust, he shall return. Soon after the dust, comes an onslaught of pelting rain. Dust becomes mud, slowing me up. Water creeps increasingly across my path. As I trudge onward, the water all but completely covers the road. While appearing shallow, I find the water deep with treacherous undertow. Just as quickly, with sun shining down, the water recedes and my path is cleared. Throughout my journey, trees are a continuous canopy, a frame of well-wishers ushering me onward into His Kingdom.
         Making fair progress, I come to a fork and pause to pray. God is silent.
         I remove my backpack and setup camp. The vast sky quickly darkens, glittering stars distinct, and I lay still in enveloping quiet. The night air blows a stray strand of hair across my face, and I relish contentment.
         At morning light, I say a word of thanksgiving and another prayer for guidance. Lighting a fire, I brew a cup of cocoa and nibble a biscuit.
         Without further hesitation, I choose the pathway on the right, toward the rising sun. Its warmth goads me onward.