Beloved, let us sit down together in the shadow of the oaks; let us take deep draughts of fresh water from the clear, swift stream. In the scorching heat of the middle of day, let us take refreshment like the dragonflies that skim the water’s edge, and be restored by the caroling of birds in the distant shade.
The days are long and our work makes wearying and seemingly infinite demands, and we know that this will not soon change. There is change of many sorts ahead, this we know too, but what it will be is yet beyond our imagining. Thus it has been, and so shall it ever be: we travel our paths, seldom knowing quite where they lead, and we labor in darkness the while. Some days, the destination is sparkling joy, and on others it is marred by sorrow and strife; at times, the mists of uncertainty part and the way ahead becomes clear, and at others it remains quite fully obscure.
What I know, Beloved, is this—that no matter how hard or easeful is the road and no matter what the destination holds for us, we walk our way together, you and I. We may long for clarity and even for the strength to wait for it, but in the meantime we will take our stops for breath along the way, sitting in shade when we may and drinking deeply from the icy stream, traveling always hand in hand no matter what the journey brings.
Art-Colored Glasses 
What a beautiful opening line. Such imagery.
My thanks to you. I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
those moments in the shade help us keep moving
Indeed they do; yes, indeed.
xo
Beautiful! (and I love being your beloved! and you mine)
I couldn’t be more blessed and blissful about it myself. ❤
There is a classical rhythm to your words. I can feel myself taking those unknown paths, so much easier in the company of one’s beloved.
It’s the most reliable, tangible comfort in facing any unknowns. 🙂 I’m happy you liked the post, dear Anna.
xo
This has such a throwback feel to the classic authors! And I love those oaks. 🙂
Maybe I should’ve posted it on Throwback Thursday! 😀 Yes, the trees spoke to me, too.
xo
I love Throwback Thursday!
*Every* day is Throwback Thursday when you’re around me. 😉
I see! 🙂
So poetic and lovely.
Thank you, dear Lady! Are you back home now or still traveling? I’ll have to pop over to your blog and see!
xo
Kathryn
Back home now!
Both the departure and the return have their charms! 🙂
xoxo
Lovely.
Thank you. 🙂
xo