It was late March, a beautiful early spring day, as my friend Lou and I set out for the Ozark Mountains for a much needed get a way. I had received one of those free offers to a resort for two nights and three days as guests to view a vacation community. Since funds were low this was an opportunity that we just could not pass up. The sun was shining bright, the sky was crystal clear as we pulled into the resort entrance where we were met by a Realtor who graciously showed us to our condo. It was much more than we had expected. The view from the balcony looked down on the quaint village nestled at the bottom of the mountain. It was a dream come true; a place for rest and relaxation, no stress, no worries, no responsibility. For two gals in their early 30’s it was an escape from reality; a little peace of heaven on earth placed there for our enjoyment. Yes, 1984 was going to be a good year.
Lou and I were ready! After taking our cooler and bags from the car we jumped into our comfortable pajama pants and long sloppy tee shirts. We tuned into our favorite radio station and brought out our manicuring sets, facial masks, curling irons, chocolate candy bars, chips and soda pop. Of course, Lou had her favorite love story book while I had my mediation and inspirational book to read. Lou flopped down on one couch with her legs hanging over the end as I spread out on the floor with my feet and legs in a chair. After pampering ourselves for a few hours, we decided to go to bed early to get some much needed sleep before our sightseeing trip that we had planned for the next day.
After sleeping for about two hours I woke up to a pounding sound on the window by my bed. I pulled back the curtains to see sleet, ice and snow falling all around. The driveway was covered in ice and of course we were at the very top of the mountain. We were iced in a snow storm to be remembered! Old man winter had returned in full force. I awakened Lou. Immediately she started to panic. She was crying as fear over took her. We both were due back to work within two days and could not afford to miss any pay. I had a fear of driving in bad weather and always avoided it. After listening to the weather news, we learned the snow was suppose to continue for two days and there was talk of shutting the highways down. I felt scared, powerless and out of control.
Lou was not into meditation and prayer but I was. I asked if she would pray with me. She agreed and we held each others hands while I prayed. A since of peace came over me that words can not even describe. The answer came!
Some how we de-iced the car and I drove it down the steep mountain. We made it to the highway where there were no vehicles in sight. Along the way, we stopped at a gas station for a fill up. A truck driver asked us if we were crazy for driving in the weather. I smiled and replied, “ No Sir. There is something more powerful than me behind the wheel of this car.” We then continued on our way. It was a fourteen hour drive which in normal conditions would have only taken five hours. I remained calm during the entire trip. My fear of driving had been removed. My faith had been strengthened. We arrived safely back in the big city. Lou now prays and meditates. As for me, I have a story. I have a memory. It may not have been the escape that we wanted but it was the Gift that we needed. It was The Power Of Faith and Peace Within. The Gift was priceless and now it is being shared with you!
Originally posted 2011-02-26 09:11:27.
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