by Louise Klodt
I didn’t know if I’d ever get to sleep that night. There were way too many thoughts going through my earthly brain. This was by far the best day of my life. The last thing I remember was laying my head down on a soft pillow.
“Tomorrow will be an exciting day for us,” said Andron. “I have some special surprises in store for you, Mikey.”
There was no reply from me.
Chapter 11
FLYING HORSES
THE NEXT MORNING I woke to the singing of a tiny bird perched on the open window. I’m sure he said, “Good morning,” although I didn’t actually hear the words. It was the concept of his wishes for me that I heard in my mind. I had only been awake for a few minutes, but thoughts came to mind almost faster than I could process them. I wondered how much my brain would accelerate if I continued my stay on Kandalaura,
Quickly I dressed and stepped out onto a large branch, which lowered me to the ground, the same branch that had lifted me the night before.
“Thank you,” I said in English.
“My pleasure,” was the thought that returned to me from the tree.
This could take some getting used to, talking to these plants and animals.
My knees still felt a little giddy from worship the night before, but I felt strong inside. The reality of seeing Jesus had definitely left its mark on me. I would never be the same.
For my body, I grabbed some fruit from a nearby branch and began eating. No sooner had I plucked it off, than it reappeared on the branch. I hope Andron and Nicholas never take this for granted. It amazes me every time I see it happen.
“I see you’re up and ready for our new adventure,” said Andron. “Have you ever ridden a horse before?”
“Not yet,” I replied. “But I’ve always wanted to.”
“Well, you’re about to get your wish,” said Andron. “Close your eyes.” He led me a few feet away and put my hand on something that felt soft and furry. “Now open.”
I opened my eyes to see the most beautiful white horse ever. It was huge.
“This is Kandaletta. Kandaletta, this is Mikey.”
Kandaletta neighed and nodded her head. Immediately I felt like she was my friend, but I was still apprehensive about riding her.
“Don’t worry,” said Andron. “Even if you were to fall, Kandaletta would catch you.”
I guess he thinks that will make me feel secure, but the thought of falling doesn’t appeal to me.
When Andron helped me up, I noticed there were no reins.
“No need for them,” he said. “The horses know where we want them to go as soon as we think it.
Andron mounted his horse, Lightning, the blackest horse I have ever seen. I grabbed Kandaletta’s mane with both hands and tightened my legs around her. The horses took off so fast I didn’t have time to be scared. In a moment we were airborne.
Yikes! These horses have wings!
Feeling such immense power beneath me along with the graceful movement of those wings was thrilling beyond belief. The exhilaration of the wind against my face coupled with majestic mountains and thick green forests beneath me was indescribable.
This would be a ride I’d always remember. I had had so many adventures in such a short period of time I felt like I was going to burst.
Andron smiled. He knew I was overtaken by the thrill of the ride. I thought back to the time he spent convincing my dad to let me come. Boy, am I glad it all worked out.
“I’m glad too,” said Andron.
Kandaletta neighed and nodded her head.
Below me I noticed an unusual structure. It looked like a tall building of at least three stories. It appeared to be made of glass. I could see inside anywhere I looked. A glass elevator was taking people up and down. The entire building was filled with shelves that held a countless number of books. I thought it was a library.
“No,” said Andron. “It’s our university.”
“University? But I thought the people on your planet already knew everything. Why a university?”
Andron smiled. “Our minds process information quickly, and we use the greater portion of our brains because of the atmosphere. We know the concepts of each others’ minds if the other person is willing, but we don’t know all the facts of the universe. There’s still a lot to learn. That building is where I went to get help in designing your space suit. I looked through many books. Our sages helped me.”
“Sages?” I said. “You mean old guys with long hair and white beards who are wise because they’ve been around for so long?”
Andron laughed. “Most of them have been around for a long time, and they are very wise. But it’s not about age. It’s about wisdom. Do you remember the white haired lady who danced last night? She had white hair. That’s a sign of wisdom. We don’t grow old here on Kandalaura. White hair is like a crown. It speaks of wisdom and not just knowledge, but knowing how to use knowledge. Our planet is much like your heaven. Jesus says there are no old people in heaven. Your people become young again. They are given new bodies that don’t decay. There’s no disease or death there.”
“You’re right,” I said. “I guess I never thought about it that much because it all seems so far away.”
“It may be closer than you think,” said Andron. “Your Bible has many clues about God’s timing and seasons.”
“Now I know I need to spend more time in my Bible,” I said. “You seem to know a lot more about it than I do.”
Just then an eagle flew by. Andron must have asked him to lead us because he flew in front of us. Andron motioned for me to follow.
We had been flying fairly low for a while through a lush, green valley. The trees were not like any I had ever seen before. Some looked like they had leaves of diamonds. They shimmered like prisms with rainbow colors in the sun. Other trees had leaves of all colors. Some trees were extremely tall with enormous trunks. I was about to ask Andron about the diamond trees when Kandaletta made a sudden turn toward the mountains, and I felt it necessary to hold on with all my strength. Her wings moved more swiftly now and took us higher.
“We’re almost there,” said Andron.
I had no idea where he was taking us. He simply said it would be a surprise. Then I saw something that really took me by surprise. There were about a dozen zebras running down below us. And yes, their stripes were all colors of the rainbow.
“Didn’t I tell you,” said Andron.
“Yes, you did,” I admitted. “But at the time I didn’t know whether to believe you or not.”
Now we were closing in on snow-covered peaks. The terrain was much rockier. Sheer cliffs and steep slopes caused grassy hillsides to look more rugged. I could even spot a few mountain goats.
The eagle led us to a grassy plateau high on the side of the mountain with enough room for the horses to graze. That’s where we landed. I thanked Kandaletta and got down.
Andron nodded his thanks to the eagle.
We hiked for a while in rugged but beautiful terrain. Some boulders were gigantic with coloring similar to our Grand Canyon. Yet they weren’t worn by age. They sparkled like granite.
“This is one of my favorite places,” he shouted. “You won’t believe your eyes.”
I had already seen more than I could believe. What could possibly be more wonderful? I wondered.
Andron found an entrance inside the mountain, but it was so small, we had to duck to get in. Once inside, he turned on a light similar to our flashlights. This revealed a narrow passage that led downward for about twenty feet. Then it leveled off, and we could see some light up ahead. As we got closer, Andron turned off his light.
From here we walked through a small opening into an enormous room. It reminded me of a cathedral, only it was all natural. It was a virtual paradise. Columns near the walls looked like our stalagmites and stalactites. They were more ivory in color and they sparkled and shimmered. A stream flowed through the cavern floor. Stones in the bottom of the stream shimmered and sparkled also. I walked over and picked up a handful to get a closer look.
“They’re jewels!” I said to Andron in surprise, “All different kinds.”
“Yes,” said Andron. “There are diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and some varieties that may not be on your earth. Remember when we were swimming with the dolphins, how it sparkled when we reached the bottom?”
“Yes,” I responded. “But I didn’t have time to take it all in because I was so busy just trying to hang on. That was quite a ride for me, you know.”
“Yeah, I guess I’m just used to it. Take some jewels home for your mom. It’ll be a souvenir of your trip.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” I said. “I feel like I’d be taking something that doesn’t belong to me. We call it stealing. Are you sure your people wouldn’t be upset with me?”
“Absolutely not, Mikey. You’re still hung up on the money thing. Take them. It’ll give my people pleasure. They’ll be happy to know that you’ve taken a little part of our planet back with you to share. It’ll help your people believe you were really here.”
“In fact, take them to one of your jewel experts and see what he says. I doubt he’s ever seen gems as perfect as these. They even have facets cut on the insides. A gemologist on earth can’t accomplish that, even with the best of tools. Our God has fashioned them. They’re unique.”
I gasped as I looked at the jewels in my hands. What I had picked up in one hand was worth a fortune on Earth.
“Fill both pockets,” said Andron.
So I did what he said. Then I followed him up some steps that took us further into the large room. It reminded me of a throne room, only it was all natural. Now I could see a huge waterfall at the far end of the room. Steps led up to a pond. The overflow of the pond created another waterfall lower which fed into the stream at the bottom. It became a bubbling brook winding its way through the canyon floor. Where the waterfall overflowed from the pond, there were columns on either side that looked like angels praying. There must have been an opening somewhere at the top because shafts of light illuminated everything, and we could see clearly.
When I reached the top of the steps, I could look down into the pool.
I gasped. “There’s light coming up from the bottom of the pool!” I exclaimed. I looked at Andron for an explanation.
“We don’t have an explanation. Scientifically speaking, there seems to be no reason for the light. That’s why we call it the “Glory Pool.”
As I peered into the depths of the pool, it seemed to be purple and royal blue at the bottom with shafts of light bursting toward the top. The bottom was lined with jewels. Glancing up at the top of the cavern above the pool, I noticed a heavy mist of clouds. The mist was filled with rainbow colors, and every now and then small streaks of lightning flickered through. A rainbow appeared above the waterfall and through the mist.
Once again my knees began to feel weak, and I realized that the weighty glory of God was here also. It permeated the atmosphere around me and filled me up completely inside.
“I’ve never seen or experienced anything as beautiful as this,” I told Andron after I could talk again.
He smiled. “I thought you would like it. This is one of my favorite places on Kandalaura. In your Bible, what you’re experiencing is known as the Shekinah glory.”
“I’ve never seen anything that compares with this,” I remarked. “You must have really studied my Bible.”
“I’ve read it through more than once,” he replied. “It shows how much love and patience God has for your race. That fascinates me.”
“I want to see Him in person like you do,” I said. “I know He’s real. I sense His presence in this room, but I still want to see Him for myself.”
“You will,” said Andron. “I’m sure it’s only a matter of time.”
“I could stay here all day,” I said. “His presence is so real and strong.”
“Just a little longer,” said Andron. “Then we must be getting back for your next surprise.”
“Another surprise? Do you really think I’m up for it?”
“You’re up for this one,” he said. Then he winked and smiled.
I wondered if I’d ever be able to describe the beauty and glory of this place. What words could I find to describe the strong presence of God that was all over me?
Reluctantly we left the cavern. I tried to take some pictures but had no way of knowing if they would turn out.
Outside Kandaletta greeted me. I pulled myself up, and once again we were airborne. I wondered if Mom and Dad would believe all this. Then I remembered the proof I was carrying in my pockets
The breeze on my face was exhilarating. The ride back was refreshing, and I felt I was truly bonding with Kandaletta. Who would have thought that I’d be galloping through the sky on a horse with wings? Not in my wildest imagination!
Our horses set us down close to the large field by Andron’s village.
“Thank you, Kandaletta,” I said, hugging her around the neck. “I’ll never forget you or the ride.”
In my mind I heard her say, “It was my pleasure. I enjoyed it too.” I patted her on the neck and followed Andron to the field, grabbing some fruit on the way.
What in the world could Andron be planning next?
Chapter 12
MAN IN WHITE
AS WE ENTERED the clearing, I could hear children laughing and singing. Walking closer, I could see a figure clothed in a white robe. I knew it was Jesus. He dismissed the children to play and motioned for me to come.
I gasped, and then looked at Andron. “You knew,” I said.
“Yes,” said Andron. “This is why you are here. It’s all been leading up to this. Now you must go. He’s motioning for you to come.”
I could hardly believe my eyes. The one moment in time I had always hoped for was actually here. He was even more glorious than I had pictured. And here He was with His arms stretched out to me.
I broke into a run, but the closer I got to him, the weaker I became. To my embarrassment, I nearly passed out and ended up falling to the ground in front of His feet.
When I looked up, He stretched out His hand and took hold of mine. Then He drew me close and hugged me. Waves of liquid love poured over me. My body grew limp, but His love kept coming. It was wave after wave and even more powerful than what I had experienced with Andron’s father. Tears streamed from my eyes. I couldn’t control their flow. Hot and cold came over me at the same time, like ice and fire together. Once again I couldn’t walk because my legs had turned to rubber.
He picked me up and carried me over to a large rock, where He set me down beside Him. Smiling, He looked at me with the
kindest eyes I had ever seen.
“What is it you want, Mikey?” he asked.
I know He knew, but I told Him anyway.
At first I could hardly talk, then I let it out: “I … I just want to have a pure heart like Yours and Andron’s,” I said.
“Mikey,” he said, “I chose you because you already have a pure heart. Remember, I asked you to be holy not perfect.”
“But sometimes at night You seemed so far away,” I said. “I got to thinking that maybe I’d done something wrong. Then I wondered what would happen if You came that very night. Would I go to heaven?”
“Oh, Mikey,” He said. “I don’t ever want you to feel that way. You’ve been eating at the wrong table. My Word is called the Bread of Life. There’s life in My Word. You must eat at My table. That means taking My Word into your heart and believing it for yourself.”
“That’s what I want to do,” I said. “I don’t know why I still feel so guilty.”
“My Holy Spirit convicts people of their sin so they can repent, but the enemy is the one who tries to make people feel guilty, even when they haven’t done anything wrong. There’s a huge difference between those two things. Just remember, son, even if you should happen to commit a sin, you have only to confess it and repent. When you do this, I no longer remember your sin. You mustn’t ask me to forgive what I no longer remember.”
“I never thought of it like that,” I said. “The enemy tries to make us think that You are carrying a huge hammer, and You’ll pounce on us if we do something wrong.”
Oh, Mikey,” He said. “Nothing could be further from the truth. If I ever carry a big hammer, it’ll only be to break the chains of guilt and shame from my people. I came to free you from all of that. My people memorize John 3:16, but they fail to read the very next verse. Look it up when you get home.”
“Yes, Jesus,” I said. “I’m so sorry. I believed lies and thought they were coming from You, when Your Word says just the opposite. I thought You were mad at me. I had no idea. I mean, until now I never understood Your love. I just didn’t get it about how You love us so much, like now when I’m with You. It’s all so new to me.”