A LONG WALK KINDA BLUES

 

Let's take a long walk around the park after dark

Find a spot for us to spark

Conversation, verbal elation, stimulation

Share our situations, temptations, education, relaxations

Elevations...

Life has a funny way of teaching me various lessons. It forces me to realize the importance of putting the needs of others ahead of my own. Sometimes, doing this brings unexpected blessings. If we would get into the habit of taking time to express sincere concern for a stranger, we may be surprised by the outcome. The experience I am about to share with you is very personal. Through this experience, I was allowed to get a peek of what an answered prayer looks like. I wanted, no...

I needed to share this with you because it will forever be a reminder of this special fact: It doesn't matter how down or alone we feel, there is always someone looking out for us. There will always be someone who will be waiting for an opportunity to save us. Here's my story...

Early one morning, I woke up in a sad mood. I felt so insecure and sad for unknown reasons. I have had bad days before, but this day was different. I couldn't snap out of it. This feeling continued well into the late evening hours. I needed to get out of this weird space.  So I figured a change of scenery would brighten up my mood, so I decided to leave the house. I had no idea of how true this would be. I went to my favorite park near my house to walk on the nature trail. As I was walking, I began to notice the beautiful surroundings. The sight of the stars playing a game of peek-a-boo with the moon. The way the trees danced every time the wind blew. The gentle sound of the cascading waterfall pouring life into the small lake. I took a deep breath, said a silent prayer, and inhaled the peace nature was seducing me with.

That's when I saw her...

sitting on a bench under the gazebo staring towards the water. I couldn't help but stare at her. She was gorgeous! I guess I was staring a little bit too long because she began to stare back at me. That's when I noticed her eyes. They were filled with tears. I wanted to know if she was okay, but I was too scared to walk over to her. So, what did my scary butt do?? I kept walking. While walking, I said a silent prayer for her. I prayed for her to endure or be relieved of whatever was causing her pain. It wasn't enough for me though. I felt like there was something more I could do for her. I was determined to face my fears and walk up to her. I said another prayer for strength on my own behalf. I couldn't believe I was about to walk up to a complete stranger, just to get in her business. 

My body began to tremble. But...a miraculous thing happened. As I moved closer to the gazebo, my trembling suddenly stopped. She wasn't there. She was gone. I missed my chance to help someone. I waited too long! If I couldn't smile, at least I could attempt to make someone else smile, right? As the feeling of disappointment started to place me in a headlock, I turned back in the direction of my car. As I was turning around, I bumped right into her. She was standing behind me the entire time! She scared me so much, I felt my heart fall into my stomach. "I'm so sorry I scared you. Please forgive me," she said. I told her that I was okay...no worries. This was my chance. It was now or never.

You're here, I'm pleased

I really dig your company

Your style, your smile, your peace mentality

Lord, have mercy on me

I was blind now I can see...

Baby I feel free, come on and go with me...

Here's how our conversation went:

ME: I don't mean to pry into your business, but I saw you crying earlier. Is everything okay?

HER: Yes, I'm okay. I just had a moment that's all. Everything is fine. I promise.

ME: Okay, good! (still thinking she wasn't being honest with me)

HER: Now it's my turn. Are YOU okay? Be honest!

ME: I've had better days. I'll be fine.

HER: That's not what I asked you. I asked ARE you okay, not IF you would be okay or not.

ME: (soft giggle) I don't want to bother you with my drama. Besides, I just want to make sure that you're good. When I saw you crying, your well-being became more important than my selfish emotions.

HER: Selfish?? The fact that you came back to check on me makes you a pretty unselfish person to me. Besides, I was crying tears of joy, not sadness. I woke up with a new outlook on life. I made a vow, a long time ago, to make each day count. You know, like meditating on the positive in my life. I was crying because I was thanking God for another opportunity to live my life in the best way possible. I was thanking him for the allowance of seeing what I have gained and not what I do not possess. I prayed that he continues to give me wisdom to look past my pain and to look forward to better days. So you see, I refuse to be sad. I will always strive to see my happiness. Even if it is at a distance, I still know it's there.

ME: Wow, that's a beautiful way to look at life. I find it a challenge to do so. I always seem to help others, but I have a difficult time helping myself.

HER: I find that hard to believe. You seem like a woman who knows where her happiness is. I think you have lost confidence in yourself. It happens to all of us.

ME: Loss of confidence huh? If that's the case, how do I get it back?

HER: Speak life into yourself. Stop focusing on things you can't control. I can see the love you have for yourself in your eyes. You know what to do. It's time for you to do it. You are just tired. I know that feeling all too well. Instead of surrendering to the disappointments you face, give yourself grace and surrender to the blessings. Give them the love that they deserve. Use those undesirable moments as lessons. You are much more powerful than you think. You may not believe in yourself, but I do baby. I truly do. (Looks at her watch) It's time for me to head out. It was nice talking to you. Remember what I said...surrender baby. I hope to see you again soon, but with a smile and not a frown. By the way, I was staring at you too (winks at me, then walks away).

The moral of my story? When you think no one cares or understands, someone is there to prove you wrong. She taught me that the only one who is standing in the way of peace was me. Although our encounter was a short one, it made a huge impact. She knew what to say and how to say it. I felt like I was led to her. Maybe her purpose was to help me, and not the other way around. I find myself smiling when I drive past "our" park. Sometimes, I drive past on purpose just to see if I will catch a glimpse of her. Years later, I am still smiling!

At night, I still say a prayer for her. In my dreams, I thank her. I thank her for her insight. I thank her for her kind words. I thank her for giving me the gift of "her."

She couldn't have possibly known how I was feeling, but she knew exactly what to say to make everything better. She was definitely a beautiful surprise found when I was blessed to take a long walk in the park. It's not because of her outer appearance or even the fact that we didn't exchange names. It was her heart that made her beautiful. It was her willingness to cheer me up. It was her determination to remain joyful, come what may. It was her self-sacrificing spirit. It was her compassion. For that, she will always be beautiful to me.

I pray that her words help you just like they helped me. Please take a moment to show fellow feeling to someone. We all need kind words. We all need a listening ear. Simply put, we all need each other. Even if I never see her again, she will always remind me of how important it is to take a long walk.

BY THE WAY...

I hope you sang those lyric's to Jill Scott's song with your whole chest! Did they set the mood for you baby?! Good! Mission accomplished. Until next time, show love to others but make sure you taste the first drop! Talk to you in the next post!

                              Love,

                              Courtney "Lyric" Morton 

Find me on Facebook: Lyric's Blues

Instagram: @Vintagewithsoul_

Email: Lyricisspeaking@gmail.com