Abandoned Trails I Walk In Exile, Not Alone
The once daunting abandoned trails of my past suddenly appeared before us as pathways of discovery and joy.
Sweet peace, communion from on high revealed in time So calm, serene, the joy of friendship found sublime Abandoned trails I walk in exile not alone So long, so many years, not many more to go A man once came to me, Our Lord, who changed my fate He showed me paths forgotten, aiming heaven’s way In time as I took rest alone by field and gate A lady young, and dear, came up to where I lay I did not know her heavenly descent, a saint Until by hand she danced with me to music faint I trusted her and found her pure and simple, too Both childlike, then, we ran toward horizons new One day this Lord gave me one more with whom to play A child of God in martyr’s robe with us to roam So calm, serene, the joy of friendship now each day Abandoned trails I walk in exile not alone
I sat quietly beneath an ancient oak tree, its twisted branches reaching skyward like arms in prayer. Sunlight trickled through the leaves, casting a mosaic of moving shadows across my face as I reflected on my journey along the enchanted path. The gentle rustle of leaves and the birds’ songs formed a natural symphony, perfectly in tune with my contemplative mood. Lost in thought, I felt the cool breeze brush my skin, carrying whispers from the heart of the forest.
For much of my life, I had wandered down sorrowful trails, burdened by the loneliness of exile. That was until I found comfort in the company of Joan and Thérèse, two kindred spirits who appeared to me on the mysterious, enchanted path. Their presence was a balm for my weary soul, turning desolate roads into vibrant avenues of friendship and understanding. Joan’s unwavering optimism and Thérèse’s gentle empathy became my guiding lights, dispelling the darkness that had long shadowed my heart. Together, we forged a bond that transcended time and space, giving me the sense of belonging I had long sought.
As the weeks passed, I grasped the fleeting nature of our time together, but my heart stayed at peace, nourished by the deep connection I shared with these heavenly companions. The more I understood the depth of our communion, the more it sustained me through the limitations of earthly life.
I continued to travel down many lonely paths. Though they seemed deserted, they no longer felt sorrowful. Before meeting Joan and Thérèse, I had felt isolated and misplaced. But the paths we now walked together, though still marked by exile, were no longer roads of hopeless solitude.
This serene day, my life took another unexpected turn. A man approached me from further down the trail. There was something extraordinary about this stranger, an aura of otherworldly wisdom surrounding him. His eyes were kind yet piercing, and his voice, though commanding, had a comforting tone. Pointing up the trail, he spoke of more forgotten paths. He told stories of journeys others took aimed at a heavenly destination. His words conveyed hope and redemption, describing trials that purify the soul and a love that transcends earthly understanding. After a while, he set off again, the memories of his stay lingering in my mind. Our brief encounter left me with a renewed sense of purpose and a heart brimming with questions.
I wandered further into the fields and stopped to rest by a gate. I noticed a young woman approaching, her movement so graceful it seemed almost celestial. Her presence was as soothing as a gentle breeze on a summer day, her eyes sparkling with a blend of innocence and wisdom. Her smile radiated warmth, and though her name seemed to dissolve into the air as she spoke, her voice was melodic and comforting. Despite not knowing her origin, I felt an immediate connection, as if we had known each other across lifetimes. Together, we danced to the faint strains of celestial music that seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at once, our spirits light and unburdened. The world transformed into a place of boundless possibilities.
Some time later, another young woman appeared, draped in a martyr’s robe. Quiet determination and unwavering strength marked her presence. She joined me and my first companion in our wanderings, and with each step, her courage emboldened our hearts. The bond between us grew stronger, and the once daunting abandoned trails of my past suddenly appeared before us as pathways of discovery and joy.
As we rested under an old oak tree, I suspected the true identities of my mysterious friends. The first young woman’s pure, childlike joy and profound understanding reminded me of Thérèse, the Little Flower of Jesus. Her gentle nature and the deep peace she exuded mirrored the saintly sister I had previously encountered on the enchanted path. The second young woman, with her steadfast courage and determination, brought to mind vivid images of Joan of Arc. Joan’s strength in the face of adversity and her unwavering faith resonated deeply within me. The possibility that I was once again in the presence of these revered saints filled me with awe.
I pondered the divine orchestration that might have brought these heavenly companions to me to guide and comfort me on my journey. Joan and Thérèse were easily identifiable, but their appearances had changed since the last time I saw them. This revelation made every moment with them even more precious, deepening my connection to the divine. In the company of these heavenly companions, I walked the path of exile further toward the horizon with newfound hope and courage.
Next: Coming soon!