Careful not to disturb anyone, I slipped out of our front door into the cool embrace of the morning. My nephew Paul and me were the only ones awake. Paul had already left to visit a cousin at Queen Victoria School (QVS) in Matavatucou.
The barking of village dogs were the only sound echoing through the air. The streetlights cast a warm glow over the cement paths as I made my way towards town. Aside from exchanging brief greetings like “Yadra! Cola vina!” with fellow early risers, my walk was quiet.
Roosters’ stirred the two villages between Nakavu and Nadi Town awake. I sympathized with them – some mornings we had to endure my brother’s incessant phone alarms. Even when set at full volume, he always managed to snore through them. Crossing over Nadi Bridge, I slowed my pace to take in the tranquil view westward over the Nadi River. An early bus rumbled across the bridge and jolted me forward. Oftentimes, my fear of bridges keep me from pausing at all.
I joined the early shoppers with a few errands of my own. I stopped at Wing Hing Restaurant & Bakery for tea buns, and tea and milk at Shop & Save Supermarket.
As I passed a parked funeral service vehicle, I pondered life’s inevitable end. My faith in God transcends this life. There are people who believe this life is all there is. But I, like many Christians, long and yearn for the return of the King and the promise of heaven.
I lingered on the Nadi Bridge. The tranquil waters soothed my soul. A passage from Song of Solomon 1:3, from my quiet time earlier, enveloped and moved me. Reminding me of God’s deep love and tender care.
Your name is ointment poured forth…
Song of Solomon 1:3
The Bible speaks of the power and authority in the name of Jesus. And of the day when every knee will bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Oh, how I long for that day. With my focus on the strength of His name, I sometimes overlook its capacity for healing. His name is above every other name. His name brings life, peace, security. And the perfect assurance that God knows us and loves us.
With these words stirring my heart, I make my way back home.
