Greenhouse

The woman paused for a moment and lifted her face up against the sky as she embraced the sunlight that pierced through the trees. “Oh, how I love the warmth on my face,” she thought. She proceeded to stroll down a roughly paved pathway through the park. Every step required stability as she adjusted the sharp gravel beneath her feet. She always attempted to remove herself from the restlessness that the world had to offer. She headed in the direction of a familiar greenhouse furnished with exotic plants and vibrant glass sculptures. This place was attractive to her because it was rarely occupied by anyone. As she reached the door, she breathed in a sweet fragrance of endless flowers that she could not name. “How lovely,” she said. The plants captivated the light that gave them life through the glass paneled ceiling. She approached a lonely wooden bench set in the corner of the greenhouse. Her heart sank as the bench reminded her that she was alone. She sighed softly taking a deep breath, and sat down. “How much longer?” she wondered. She began to peruse a book that a friend handed her a couple days earlier. Her intention was to escape for a moment but as she started to read, she discovered her own life on each page. She was astonished as it put her life in perspective and unraveled the passion and sorrow held deep within her. Recognizing right away that a transformation was taking place, she reached for a strength that she had not yet known. “O Lord, fill me,” she said. Suddenly, a veil lifted from her eyes and joy came upon her. She jumped from the bench, held the book against her heart, and ran out the greenhouse door with endless appreciation.