The Breaking

"Good morning, Father."

My hands hug a second cup of coffee.

"Where shall I begin today? What should we talk about?"

I turn open Your Word and find the book of Acts.

"Ahh, the very beginnings of Your Church...how wondrous it must have been to live in that time."

After finishing the entire first chapter, I get up from the warmth of the sofa.

My daily morning prayer walk begins.

Just me and my heavenly Father walking back and forth in the living room.

The sun won't rise for a few hours, and cold rain falls outside.

Although I am somewhat groggy, I choose to offer a sacrifice of praise to the One whom I owe my life to.

For a very brief moment, I sense a cold, dark presence.

But, suddenly, I heard a noise as if something fell and broke.

The darkness that tested the moment is replaced by a holy strength and power that fills the room.

Instantly, I am wide awake.

My spirit starts praying out loud in a language I have never known.

I hear my voice, yet it is robust and has an unrecognizable accent.

My spirit prayer turns into a song...vocalizing in tones and pitches I have not been able to use for decades.

I don't recognize the words, but instinctively know it is a love song.

Time stood still. The song ended.

Such a sweet, holy hush filled the room that I held still and quiet,

not wanting to disturb the moment.

I took a deep breath and tried to sing in my native English.

My usual voice had returned.

I hugged my Father with a soft "Hallelujah, Thank you, Lord."

And so I began the day with joy,

pondering and meditating on what this all means.

One thing I know, something has broken, and it's a good thing.

I will keep my eyes lifted up and my hands open.

"I'm ready...let's go."