The first thing she was aware of was the warm light that filled their room in such a subtle and soft way that one would hardly notice it was even there. She didn’t want to move from the cocoon of comfort and solitude that she was now in. Everything was so quiet and beautiful and still. “Why can’t every moment be just like this?” she thought, as she looked sleepily at the ceiling. The little Christmas lights that adorned the dresser were playing tricks with the ceiling. One moment it was miles away, the next it was about to fall on top of her. She lay there in the silence for what seemed like both an eternity, and yet not nearly enough time.

She shimmied down between the two beds, careful not to wake her two roommates who were sound asleep, lost in their own realities. Not caring how she looked she threw on a sweatshirt, grabbed her bible and glasses, and headed to the small lounge that she spent each of her mornings in. The lights were still out, so she could see the faint outline of the lake through the window. With some reluctance she let her hand brush over the small switch, and the room was instantly filled with an almost overwhelming brightness, stripping her of any hope to see outside.

But as all things, this too passed, and as she read she could see, just over the edge of her bible, blue. It was the most intense and distinct blue she had ever seen. The trees were becoming more clearly outlined against the background. Their thin branches reached for the heavens, as if they too belonged some place much more magical than the world they currently resided in. After a long reign of blues and purples and grays, a bright yellow quietly burst through the sky, cutting the air with it’s rays. All it took was that tiny ray of light, and suddenly the whole world was filled with its overpowering presence.

The young girl, curled under as many pillows as she could, felt chills crawling up her spine as she read how Christ, after being for three days, rose again. She could almost hear Mary’s cry, “Rabboni!” as the sun broke over the trees, and the wild symphony of noises outside – the wind, and birds, and rushing water – reached a glorious crescendo.  Then came the softness of the savior’s response, “Mary.” And suddenly the world stood still as the young girl could almost hear the comfort and love that poured from her redeemer’s voice. Overwhelming awe and love washed over her as she sat there, mesmerized by all the promises that her small but incredible book held.

Promises of strength for the times when she is weary

Promises of guidance when she has lost her way

Promises of company for when she feels so very very alone

And promises of love, when she is sure that no one could ever give her that comfort.

“When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot, though has taught me to say

It is well, it is well with my soul.”