Dream

Once upon a far away time
When the world was growing old
A young woman was suffering
Feeling lonely and cold.

She lived a privileged life
Missing nothing but love
She thought about quitting life
It was all she ever thought of.

The night before she took her life
She dreamed a dream deep and strong
And though it was not long in minutes
It lasted her whole life long.

She dreamed she saw a man
Whose smile was gentle and kind
She knew immediately, without a doubt
That she was the only one on his mind.

His hand was filled with strength
His eyes soft and glowing
And his compassion for her was so great
It was beyond all human knowing.

Then the man began to speak
In tones firm and sweet
and while he spoke to her gently
His hand with hers did meet.

“My child, why do you feel alone?
Why are you so desolate and afraid?
Do you not know that I have loved you
Since the moment you were made?

“Look my child and see your home
That has been here all along
Turn away from your dark thoughts
And stop singing the dying song.”

The young woman turned and gasped
At the wondrous sight she saw
Where the air itself was love
And compassion was the only law.

Brilliant colors swept the sky
In jewel tones so pure and bright
A beautiful song filled the air
and kept away the night.

Like the touch of eternal springtime
A sweet warmth was in the air
Enfolding her in a gentle embrace
And playing with the ends of her hair.

On the wind was the scent of flowers
Unlike any other born of earth
It spoke of joy and beginnings
Of trials overcome, and rebirth.

A silken garment, e’er so soft
Caressed her tired frame
The golden shoes upon her feet
Would heal even the lame.

A silver circlet was upon her head,
a ring of jade rested on her hand
a music more beautiful than ever heard
was played by an unseen band.

Then the man spoke again
His words with care she did heed
For somehow she knew in her heart
His words were all she did need.

“My child, all those who here dwell
Are given the name they earned
While doing their work on earth
And practicing lessons learned.

“All the tests given to them down there
Are sent by me; that they might grow
In all that they are meant to be
And learn all that they need to know.

“When you again come to this place
To live in your eternal home
If you learn the lessons I have sent
And practice in the years to come:

“Patience, we will call you
For all the heavens to hear!
For you will have overcome the test
that seems to cut and sear.

“You will have learned joy under sorrow
Faith in every crisis
Keep holding onto my hand
And listen to this promise.

“I will never leave you, my love
You are never outside of my grace
But wait until the time I give you
To enter into this place.

“Hold steady and firm, my child
And let your faith truly believe
That soon this trial will be over
And every sorrow will leave.”

The young woman smiled with joy
As she held her Savior’s hand
And she determined to live and learn
And one day join that gracious band.

Many years later, an old woman lay
Quietly and sweetly in her bed.
Surrounded by her dearly loved ones,
here is what she said:

“My children, do not struggle under tests
And do not blame your Lord
He has sent this trial, true
But it is only for your reward.

“He will uphold you in all you do
And give you your desires
Just rest in his strength and wait
To be led from the traps and mires.”

Then the old woman smiled with joy
As she breathed her very last on earth
She was again met by that Man
While her body shook with bliss and mirth.

The Man again took her hand in his
And said in tones firm and sweet
“Welcome home, my beloved Patience
With great faith did your heart e’er beat.

“You have done all that I asked
With determination and strength
You have never stopped running
Nor gave up for any length.

“Now great is your reward, my child
You have earned your place in my home
Listen to the song of love, my child
And know that you are never more to roam.”

We should all learn the lesson
Of the woman young and old
Hold tight to the hand of the Lord
And do all that He has told.