That's The Way Love Goes

A weekend getaway can be soothing for one's soul. Especially during the cooler months, a nice trip along the highway can elicit a warm heart of emotions. Yearning for a retreat to the Tennessee Smoky Mountains, my family and I traveled in a quest for fun and relaxation. However, this particular trip far exceeded my expectations in a very personal and profound way.

Prior to our getaway, we planned a day of activities at a family ski resort in Pigeon Forge. From the ground level, a ten-minute ride in an aerial tram takes passengers to the resort’s entrance. The tram can hold up to 120 people, and at its highest point climbs over 1300 feet in the air. My family and I had seen photos of this aerial tram, but nothing compares to embracing the real thing.

I have always been a person afraid of extreme heights. And yes, I am often the one seen praying during a flight. During all my travels, PRAYER has gotten me through some tense moments of turbulence. If I could not pray before and multiple times during a flight, I would be mentally and physically incapable of flying. So, to me, this tram was no different than flying on a commercial airplane.

From the moment the tram slowly lifted, my nerves began their familiar dance of chaos. They kicked, hollered, and screamed, “LADY, ARE YOU CRAZY? GET US OUT OF HERE RIGHT NOW OR ELSE!” But instead of giving in to fear, I closed my eyes to envision how beautiful the mountains were outside the tram's window. I thought of that infamous five letter word — F A I T H — and I slowly opened my eyes and fixed them on an elderly woman who stood before me. The stillness of her blue eyes told me she also had an extreme fear of heights; I could see her teeth chattering.

While continuing to survey this woman's outward expressions, I decided to pray. Despite not knowing exactly what to say, I somehow prayed in a way I had never done before. As my heart interceded with deep sentiment, I took notice of the man I presumed to be her husband, embracing her like the delicate flower she was; he never let go. His embrace was not just another embrace. There was something special about the way he took his time with his beloved, cherishing her like she was the most precious jewel he would ever own in his lifetime. And if his comforting embrace wasn't enough, I witnessed the lowering of his head, as he applied soft kisses to the bridge of her nose.

From watching how this man expressed his love for this woman in her time of need, I am not exaggerating when I confess that my heart was filled with an indescribable joy as my cheeks streamed with tears. The innocence of love can be so rewarding.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord in Isaiah. I found it amazing how God could intercede and comfort the fears of two women at the same time. How deep is the Father's love for us?

Our prayers are answered in ways we least expect them to be. We sometimes expect the heavenly clouds to blow trumpets to prove that someone is watching over us. When we begin to question God's love, let us remember the last time someone kissed the bridge of our nose and gave us a warm embrace when we really needed one.

By sharing this story, my hopes are to inspire those who seek God for comfort. In my own journey, I have come to enjoy the benefits of thanking God even when I don't need Him right away, to know He'll always come when I do.

I believe our Heavenly Father is yearning for more of us to pray with earnest hearts. I also believe He longs for us to pray when we pass strangers on the street. Think of the many lives we can heal or save if we open our hearts and intercede in prayer.

Matthew 19:19 says to love our neighbor as ourselves. We know how difficult it can be to apply this scripture in the times we live. Nevertheless, should we lose our way, let us be mindful to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. Why? Because when it's all said and done — that's the way love goes!

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About Bre

Bre Jackson is an author with more than two decades of experience in Christian publishing. Holding a Master's degree in English and Creative Writing, she is dedicated to producing media that elevates the human soul and spirit. To explore more, visit www.brejackson.org.