For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds.
- Job 33:14-15
My favorite playground apparatus has always been the swing. Even today when I see one idle, I feel a tug. I want to sit down, push off, lean back, pull with all my strength and soar. There is always a wonderful sense of freedom as I go higher, see farther, and feel the wind on my face.
I guess it is not surprising that the only dream in which Jesus appeared to me (decades after I left the schoolyard) was centered around a swing. I was sitting quietly on the wooden seat looking forward to being aloft. Next to me was an enormous tree trunk. In my hands were thick ropes. I looked up, but could not see the limb to which the swing was tied. The ropes just disappeared into the sky. Unafraid and full of anticipation, I took off. As I went higher and higher, I saw a familiar figure in the distance. He was smiling down at me as I came closer. I was filled with joy, wonder, and expectation. No doubt about it. It was Jesus. More than anything, I wanted to be near Him. I pulled harder keeping eye contact and returning His radiant smile. With each forward lunge I stretched my legs, pointing my toes in an effort to touch His robe. With a rush of triumph, I finally made it! I immediately woke up. Oh no! Not yet! Everything was just the same. Or was it? The indescribable sensation of connection had not left me. It never has. Epiphany? You bet!
This is the first time I have I shared this story. As I get older, I seem more relaxed about discussing my spiritual experiences. John Pitzer recently reminded us, we are all called upon to be witnesses. So, I admit that sometimes when I find myself stuck, I close my eyes, climb on my ethereal swing, and pull myself up into the sunshine and fresh air. I feel the presence of my unfailing companion waiting for me. I feel comforted. I feel at peace. I feel loved.
Musical Reflection - Epiphany Waltz, Thomas Keesecker
