The Boy and His Dream

 And it came to pass that I, the boy, was walking in a forest. This forest was nothing but darkness and shadow. I was afraid of the darkness, too weak to continue walking along this trail of sorrow. So I sat down for a moment, choosing to slip into a deep sleep—one from which I had no intention of returning—and so I slept.

When I awoke and opened my eyes, I found myself in a new place. And behold, I saw the gates of glory before me, towering pearls gleaming with heavenly light. In that moment, I knew where I was. As I stood, still stunned by the sight, I noticed a figure beside me, a creature unlike any I had seen before. This being radiated light like molten metal, glowing with a brilliance I could scarcely comprehend. It had six wings—two veiled its face as if shielding it from something Unseen, two covered its feet, and two carried it effortlessly through the air. Its eyes burned like fire, piercing me with a gaze that filled me with a profound, ancient knowledge. The creature spoke to me, saying, “Come and see, for many await your coming!” Its voice thundered through the air, shaking the space around me with immense power. The being was cloaked in pure light, so bright it was hard to look at directly. Every movement exuded grace and authority, freezing me in place, unsure of what I was witnessing. With every inch of its being, it spoke of strength and majesty beyond anything I had ever known. Then, it reached for my arm, for I was too in awe to move.

The radiant creature brought me to a fountain nestled in the shade of a strong, familiar maple tree. The brightness of the place came not from the sun, but from the very essence of the surroundings. The fountain shimmered with crystal-clear water, cascading from a radiant source that glowed with a soft, ethereal light. The water flowed over smooth stones of gold and jewels, creating ripples of shimmering light that danced in the air, while the gentle sound of its streams brought a peace that words I could not capture, as if each drop carried the essence of eternal life. The creature spoke again, this time commanding me to look into the water. I obeyed.

When I looked into the water, I saw my reflection, but it was different from what I remembered. I had changed. My beard was full and lush, my teeth no longer crooked but straight, and my hair moved gently with the wind, full and flowing. My skin was flawless, fair, and radiant. I appeared older, yet healthier, stronger. The creature then said, “Look, Blake! Look upon the gate of heaven.” I turned my gaze to the gate.

The gate stood tall and majestic, crafted from a single, flawless pearl that emitted a soft, radiant glow. Its surface was smooth and iridescent, reflecting the brilliance of the golden path that lay beyond. A great light shone from beyond the gate, and I could not see beyond the light. Then, the gate swung open, and a man stepped forward, calling my name, “Blake! My dear friend, come hither.”

I ran to the man, for his voice felt familiar. As I approached, I saw that he held a Bible in his hand, with a green piece of paper marking its center. I embraced him, for I knew him instantly—it was the man who had made me a collector on earth. He laughed, smiled, and said, “Welcome home, my boy.” He looked different, younger, as if he were now my age. His hair was full, and the spectacles he once wore were gone. The brightness behind the gate began to fade.

Then, another man appeared from the light, a smile upon his face and his hands behind his back. “Blake Alma, come to me!” he said. I approached him and recognized him immediately—it was my dearest friend, George. We embraced, and as we hugged, he whispered, “I love you too, Blake.” He then revealed what he had hidden behind his back: a hat. This was no ordinary hat but one that encapsulated pure joy. As he put the hat upon my head, the light behind the gate finished dimming.

I looked ahead and saw a house with a golden sidewalk leading from its front door. The sidewalk shimmered and led to a mailbox made of emerald. The house stood in confidence, blending seamlessly with the landscape. Its earthy tones spoke of familiarity, as though it had always belonged. The weathered stone foundation anchored it to the ground, while soft beige siding contrasted gently, like the wind whispering through the trees. In the yard, a man wearing a crown played the harp, creating the most beautiful melody. I knew him—he was the psalmist, my inspiration. The roof stretched wide like the sky, sheltering all beneath it. Crisp, white-framed windows dotted the front, letting in the light without disturbing the home’s peaceful symmetry. A nearby shed completed the serene scene. I realized then—it was my childhood home.

In front of the house, to my right, was a flower bed filled with orange lilies. A boy played among them, laughing as he was chased by a majestic black animal, resembling a black lab with fur so shiny it reflected the light. The boy paused for a moment, smiling at me. I didn’t recognize him, yet I knew him. He and the animal disappeared into the house through the garage to the bottom left. Moments later, the boy reappeared, looking out the window, now seemingly my age.

I heard the soft crunch of grass to my left. Turning, I saw a couple, laughing and conversing with one another. I called out, “Grandpa! Baba! It’s me, your oldest grandson!” They looked at me, saying nothing, but raised their hands to the sky, forming a symbol that I recognized instantly—the symbol of love. Then, I heard a trumpet blast, louder than anything my ears had ever heard. The lovely couple, the man with the Bible, the psalmist, and George all turned to face the front door then bowed toward it.

Behold, the door opened, and a light brighter than the sun on snow poured forth. Out stepped the Master, the Christ, the Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings. His glory was beyond description, beyond words. No man, not even I, could describe such a sight. Yet I saw His hands and feet as clearly as day, and upon them were the marks of the nails from the cross, the very cross I had put Him on. I fell to my knees, took off the hat, and laid it upon the grass. I was weeping in fear and awe, unable to speak. He came to me, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master.” He took me by the hand, lifting me from the ground, and led me inside the house.

Once inside, my Master showed me the house. The walls were simple yet radiated warmth and comfort, as if built not by human hands but by my heart’s deepest longings for peace. The soft, muted hues painted upon the walls resembled jasper, offering a sense of stability and calm. Each room seemed to hold a unique glow, as though crafted from precious stones. The living room, strong like jasper, felt steady and inviting, a place for conversations and memories. The kitchen, vibrant like sapphire, was filled with warmth and laughter. The hallway, lined with quiet spaces, felt like agate, grounding and serene, leading to rooms of rest and reflection. One bedroom was as peaceful as emerald, offering deep rest, while another was bright and inviting, like topaz. Though outwardly simple, the home felt layered with invisible treasures, each room a refuge for the soul. Then, the brilliant creature appeared once more.

The Master brought me back to the living room, and the radiant being carried something in its hands. I sat down on a couch, and the Master took the item from the creature. Behold, it was a purple pillow made of the finest silk, laced with pure gold. The pillow bore the imprint of a circle, though it was empty. I fell to the floor at the Master’s feet, crying out in anguish. “I have failed You, my King! I am not worthy to be in Your presence, for I have not even one crown to lay at Your nail-pierced feet!” The Master gently lifted my chin and spoke, “There is more for you, my outdoorsman, my collector, my servant. Following My Father is not only about eschewing evil, which you have done in part. It is about showing others the very light you have seen today. Awake from your sleep, Blake!”

Suddenly, I awoke in the dark forest once more. I stood upon my two feet and began walking through the darkness again. But this time, I knew I was not alone, for my strength was found in the One at whose feet I will one day cast my crowns.