by Diane Noble
As I gazed heavenward, the cry of a single young swallow caught my attention. Her scruffy look of pinfeathers and down told me she was likely on her first journey northward. Away from the flock, she flapped and wheeled, fluttering and working her wings hard against the wind. I wanted to call out to her and explain that if she would quit trying so hard to make her own way, if she would relax on the warm thermals, she would sail through the sky as if cradled in her Creator’s hand.
“Soar, little bird, soar,” I whispered, still following her awkward flight. Then I laughed to myself. Of course she would soar, but not until her wings were strong enough and the time was right, perhaps not even until later in the spring.
To everything there is a season, I thought, remembering the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.… A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
I wondered if the joy that filled me today would have been mine if I hadn’t known sorrow, if my spirit would know light and freedom if it hadn’t known the bondage of darkness and fear. The depth carved by despair in my soul had allowed me a greater capacity for happiness. Wasn’t that also part of God’s grace?
Hooves pounded behind me, and I turned to see Zebbie riding across the poppy fields, his cheeks pink, his flaxen hair gleaming in the slant of the morning light. Michela raced slightly behind on a bright palomino, trying her best to overtake him, her mass of red curls blowing in the wind, her face freckled from the sun.
Just before they reached me, Michela squealed and pointed to the sky, drawing her gelding to a hard stop. “Momma! Look! They’re here! They’ve come back!”
Zebbie halted his horse and followed her gaze with awe. “They’re going to the mission, they are!”
There, in white relief against the blue heavens, flew whole flocks of swallows, wheeling and dipping, and soaring as if to the sun. I wanted to skip through the buttercups and poppies that spread across the fields, dancing until I could fly heavenward on spirit-wings.
It struck me then that all I’d ever wanted was to fly … whether it was from Blackberry Mountain or Oak Hill or here, straight into the heavens with the swallows. And now I could. Oh, yes, I could. For it was my heart that took wing, rising into the heavens.
I watched the swallows until they disappeared over the flower-draped valley and into the eucalyptus groves and smattering of oaks beyond. A few minutes later, the mission bells rang out, echoing across the wide valley, telling San Juan of the swallows’ return.
I closed my eyes, letting the joyful ringing join the music of my heart.
Dear Friends,
This has been quite a writer’s journey for me as I traveled with our Fairwyn, step by step, page by page. As I wrote her story, I often discussed her life-choices, sorrows, and triumphs with other women; many told me, with tears in their eyes, that they understand Fairwyn, because they’ve “been there.” They’ve taken wrong turns. They’ve wondered about God’s forgiveness and grace.
Fairwyn’s journey is for all of us who’ve “been there.” Her circumstances may seem extreme in our day, but maybe, like Fairwyn, we’ve taken matters into our own hands because of our wants, fears, and impatience. (I can’t help but think of Abraham and Sarah here.) Heart of Glass explores the “What if …?” questions we might all entertain. It also explores God’s tender love, healing mercies, and utter sovereignty in our lives, no matter how we think we’ve messed up. No matter how undeserving we believe we are.
Sometimes events beyond our control shake our very foundations. Sometimes our own daily challenges with families and loved ones vastly change the Story we’re living. But there is One who never changes. Nothing takes him by surprise. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
For who is God, except the LORD?
And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect,
He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on my high places.
—Psalm 18:31-33, NKJV
May God’s peace be yours in abundance today and always,
Diane Noble
Diane Noble is the award-winning author of eighteen books, including historical and contemporary fiction, novellas, and inspirational nonfiction books for women. In recent years she has twice been the recipient of the Silver Angel Award for Media Excellence. In the year 2000, Diane was a double finalist for both the prestigious RITA for Best Inspirational Fiction and for the HOLT Gold Medallion honoring outstanding literary talent.
A popular writing teacher and speaker, Diane makes her home with her husband Tom in the mountains of Southern California. For more information about Diane’s books or her women’s retreat ministry, please visit her Web site at http://www.dianenoble.com. You can also write to her at either of the following addresses:
Diane Noble
P.O. Box 3017
Idyllwild, CA 92549
E-mail:[email protected]