Along a narrow footpath, I walk serpentine around trees embedded in squares of earth, down metal stairs into the underground, my boots clinking on each step. Curly locks of hair swirl upward in a wind tunnel and down like confetti. I grab onto H’s arm — the rudder guiding me through swells of humanity.
For most of our silent walk, I keep the tempo H sets for the journey. Through fluorescent tubular halls deckled with movie posters, our arms gently brush against the coats of strangers holding shopping bags and collapsible cycles. My body squeezes into the arc of his torso through a narrow impasse.
Sometimes when the rhythm of our steps is broken by someone pushing past in a hurry, I move in front of H and trust his hand gently clutching my shoulder, leading me in the right direction.
On an escalator with the slant of a small ski slope, we stand single file to the right, allowing the fellow frantic to run instead of exhale. I’m certain our thoughts coincide with each other but our facial expressions don’t reveal hints to that reality.
Stepping off, a man strums from a chair in the corner, his guitar case a cash register of kindness strewn with pounds and pence. The art he offers to nameless faces interrupts a maze of unspoken thoughts and fills the hollowness of public space with bravery.
Sharing the art of who we are lends permission for others to step out of the shadows and embrace the hope of calling.
Beside each other, leaning against the swaying shell of the train, our unspoken thoughts become chatter of revelation. Our eyes sift through the chaos of activity and arrive at similar assessments, the same way they have every day since we met that providential evening twenty-four years ago in a room full of people.
Whether leafing through the newspaper, scraping the last spoonful of yogurt from the bottom of the plastic container, or paying for a carton of milk while a drunk engages you in conversation at the counter, God breaks into your everyday life like a song echoing off the hollowness of your porcelain exterior.
He reminds you through the twists and turns of your journey that those split-second decisions aren’t random but leading to the right platform for influence. Perhaps that’s why Jesus says, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.”
Changing trains, we wait for the illumination of a lone headlight to break through the distant darkness and throngs of people.
An uncommon quietness precedes a powerful move of the Holy Spirit.
Listen. Momentum is building.
Destiny is coming down the tracks.
Mind the gap and allow Love to guide you.
Linking with Jennifer, Laura, Emily, Holley and Kelli.
yes.
to all of this.
welcome home!
Thank you Lori, home is always good.
“our unspoken thoughts become chatter of revelation”
what beauty, here
Thank you Karin, appreciate you much.
Shelly this is almost poetry. “An uncommon quietness precedes a powerful move of the Holy Spirit.” Yes!
I know you get that Diane, lovely to see you here and hope you are doing well my friend.
I love this post and that familiar tube scene and the “mind the gap” sign over which I stepped carefully so often. There have been times, perhaps, where I felt destiny was *going* down the tracks, and I felt left behind. But this is such an encouragement today, Shelly. And this is my favorite line: “Sharing the art of who we are lends permission for others to step out of the shadows and embrace the hope of calling.” Perhaps you are one who has stepped onto the platform, minded the gap, and now flags others to board the train. Maybe sharing *your* art is about more than you know! Can’t wait to here all about your trip!
Love
Lynn
I hope I am one of those people Lynn, I truly hope so. It’s what I feel God is calling me to do, at least part of the call anyway. Can’t wait to tell you about our time in London!
This line?– ” An uncommon quietness precedes a powerful move of the Holy Spirit.”
I’m counting on it.
So glad you had a good trip, looking forward to talking with you soon! Love this post, Shelly. XO
I know God has great things in store for the time you are setting apart to quiet and listen. And the story continues . . .
So blessed that you where in step with your man, your life partner— and your God…a beautiful pilgrimage toward your destiny…
Yes, it is indeed quite beautiful Dea. I’m honored to have you along for the ride my friend. Love you!
Shelly- as others have said- you write so poetically and take us with you on this journey. I feel glad of the strong bond you have with H which provides such a wonderful sense of security in this distant land.
I hope you have taken a moment to rest and be refreshed after your travels?
God’s continuing guidance be with you both as you trust Him for every step to come.
I’m flying high on the adrenaline Mary. I honestly don’t think I had one single moment of jet lag coming or going. God is expanding my capacity in this season and I’m thankful, truly.
“The art he offers to nameless faces interrupts a maze of unspoken thoughts and fills the hollowness of public space with bravery.” Yes this! And this, “God breaks into your everyday life like a song echoing off the hollowness of your porcelain exterior.” Thank you! Headed over here from #TellHisStory 🙂
Thank for visiting Katie, lovely to meet you here in community.
Amazing, these places where illumination shows up. I love how you see, Shelly Miller. Especially how you and your guy see in tandem.
It made me smile to see your face at Unforced Rhythms. You know you’re ALWAYS welcome there, right? Love you, friend.
We’ve always had the gift of seeing in tandem Kelli. I can remember the first time I noticed it. It was when we were picking out our china for the wedding registry, we gravitated to the same things all around the store every time. I knew right away God had given us a tremendous gift in that. Love that you have taken the baton from Michelle with the link-up and the name is perfect. Describes you perfectly! Love you too.
So good!
Lovely to chat with you Lu, and to have you here in the comments is always a gift my wonderful BFF.
The title of your post let me know you were “on the train” with me today Shelly. I wrote about a train ride as well…only from NYC. This line spoke to me and is in tune, with my offering… “God breaks into your everyday life like a song echoing off the hollowness of your porcelain exterior.” Glad you had a great time in London!
We had a layover in NY on our way home Lisha. I love the city and all it teaches. I’m going to pop over and read your words shortly. You always inspire me.
Listening for the uncommon quietness. Lovely words, Shelly!
“An uncommon quietness precedes a powerful move of the Holy Spirit.” May He help me to listen in the quietness so I do not miss His move. So grateful for these words today!
Life has been busy… and hard if I am honest and I haven’t stopped by for a little while- but always, when I come here, I am refreshed! I love you and all your lovely words, my friend!
Prayed for you this morning Karrilee, hard seasons need some extra care. Let me know how I can encourage you friend. You know you can email me anytime: shelly@redemptionsbeauty.com. Sending hugs and lots of love.
You are consistently encouraging and genuine and I love you for the prayers and so much more! I lost a friend a couple of weeks ago after a 4 year battle with brain cancer. She has littles and that is just always so hard. Peace never left, even when the temptations snuck in to wonder why I believe the things I believe in the face of such loss… and yet, I do! I do believe! Anyway – that, with my girlie all apartment shopping (I know… it’s time… but still!) and praying through some opportunities had left me a little tired! Good… getting better… but tired! I can feel those hugs and love and prayers!
Such comfort in knowing that God is in the driver’s seat…what a sweet picture of you and H 🙂
Mind the gap, indeed. Glad you had a good trip, glad you’re back home.
Shelly, you do have such a breathtaking way of seeing and whisking us along for the ride. And yes, what a priceless gift, you and H seeing in tandem. I’m glad you had such a beautiful getaway together 🙂
What a lovely gift to see your sweet words of encouragement here Amber, thank you. And yes, I’m anxious to go back to London already.
“An uncommon quietness precedes a powerful move of the Holy Spirit.” So much yes to this.
Thank Alia, love seeing you here.
This sentence sings, and sings truth to the heart: Whether leafing through the newspaper, scraping the last spoonful of yogurt from the bottom of the plastic container, or paying for a carton of milk while a drunk engages you in conversation at the counter, God breaks into your everyday life like a song echoing off the hollowness of your porcelain exterior.
I am feeling the peace amidst the chaos here, the silent trust, the unity weaving through differences…this is beautiful. And this line might have been just for me: “Sharing the art of who we are lends permission for others to step out of the shadows and embrace the hope of calling.” Thank you, Shelly. Sure do love you, friend.
Yes, we need the art of who you are Ashley, you inspire others with your gifts.
Waiting on the Holy Spirit to show up in the quietness. Long for His gentle presence and touch to step out and see others with his eyes. I’m ready for a powerful move. Beautiful!!!
Me too Alene, ready and waiting and perhaps I’m right in the middle of it if I’m honest. Thanks for stopping by.
“Through the twists and turns of your journey, those split-second decisions aren’t random but leading to the right platform for influence.” Thank you, Shelly, for the insight that even small decisions may very well be part of God’s master plan. May I always be under his direction!
Love this: “An uncommon quietness precedes a powerful move of the Holy Spirit” There is purpose in the waiting, even though we may feel impatient for the Holy Spirit to get moving.