"I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune
with my own heart: and my spirit made a diligent search."
Psalm 77:6 KJV
It's a somewhat chilly evening here in New York, where I live...
with my own heart: and my spirit made a diligent search."
Psalm 77:6 KJV
It's a somewhat chilly evening here in New York, where I live...
...about 100 miles north of New York City. It's 8 o'clock in the evening, and I'm about to go outdoors for some fresh air. And for a talk with God, as well.
Stepping out of the cell block, and leaving all the noise and commotion behind, is a blessing. I'm allowed to go to the housing unit's recreation yard from 8 to 10 where I can walk around, or go to the weightlifting area, or just hang out with friends. I usually do a little of all these things, but tonight is reserved for walking only. I'm feeling the need for some personal time with Jesus. Just the two of us.
There was a total of ten men in the yard, one of whom was me. While the other prisoners were divided up. Several of them were doing their exercises in the weight cage. While the others were watching television on the lone TV set that sits inside a large wooden box that's bolted to the wall in the far corner of the yard.
For me, having the time to be alone is a way to clear my mind, and rid my spirit of the day's accumulation of stresses. While it also affords me the opportunity to spend quality time with my Savior.
I'd like to think of going outdoors as a spiritual experience. While I enjoy talking with my neighbors and exercising, the best part is being able to look up into the vastness of a dark sky, and on a clear night see the twinkling of the stars. And if I am lucky, I will get to see an occasional glimpse of what could be a planet, it's reflective light flickering in the blackness of the universe.
After spending forty-seven years behind prison walls, one discovers out of the ordinary ways to find both purpose and pleasure. Telling others about God's goodness and his mercy is my purpose. While seeing His creation and its beauty is a source of joyful pleasure (Psalm 19:1-6).
D.B.
Stepping out of the cell block, and leaving all the noise and commotion behind, is a blessing. I'm allowed to go to the housing unit's recreation yard from 8 to 10 where I can walk around, or go to the weightlifting area, or just hang out with friends. I usually do a little of all these things, but tonight is reserved for walking only. I'm feeling the need for some personal time with Jesus. Just the two of us.
There was a total of ten men in the yard, one of whom was me. While the other prisoners were divided up. Several of them were doing their exercises in the weight cage. While the others were watching television on the lone TV set that sits inside a large wooden box that's bolted to the wall in the far corner of the yard.
For me, having the time to be alone is a way to clear my mind, and rid my spirit of the day's accumulation of stresses. While it also affords me the opportunity to spend quality time with my Savior.
I'd like to think of going outdoors as a spiritual experience. While I enjoy talking with my neighbors and exercising, the best part is being able to look up into the vastness of a dark sky, and on a clear night see the twinkling of the stars. And if I am lucky, I will get to see an occasional glimpse of what could be a planet, it's reflective light flickering in the blackness of the universe.
After spending forty-seven years behind prison walls, one discovers out of the ordinary ways to find both purpose and pleasure. Telling others about God's goodness and his mercy is my purpose. While seeing His creation and its beauty is a source of joyful pleasure (Psalm 19:1-6).
D.B.