Chapter 8
Dream
The Coat of Many Colors
The Coat of Many Colors
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Tenderly he said, “I love you,” as he held me close in his arms. “I love you, too,” and I breathed deeply of the fragrance enveloping us. He followed that moment with, “Well, then, don’t you think we ought to get married?” I softly responded, saying, “Yes, I do,” and coming up from the back of my mind was a subtle beat beginning its rhythm. “Love and marriage - love and marriage, go together like a horse and carriage.”
I know, I know, those of you who know me, know I’m just wired to think in terms of song-lines! However, as the betrothal to my beloved began, we didn’t consider that the blending of two entirely different people would be a bit of a challenge. I’m a communicator. I love to sing, tell stories, and strive to bring out the best in people. My man, on the other hand, is quiet, steady, gentle, naturally humble, and can lose himself for days in a good book. After a few matrimonial years had passed, my man planned a ski trip for the three of us to Mission Ridge over by Wenatchee in Washington State, in celebration of my birthday. Our little boy was an enthusiastic six-year-old, and we enjoyed watching him tackle the bunny hill with his coach's instruction, of course. It was an excellent day for enjoying the pristine air, the sparkles of drifting ice crystals and standing on a mountain top looking at views that faded into forever. Exhausted, but filled with happy endorphins, we ended the day at the slopes and drove through slush and snowdrifts on the way back to our lodge. After settling into our warm and cozy room, we took off our cumbersome ski clothes and then made our way to the restaurant where we started our meal with cinnamon sprinkled hot chocolate. Tummies full, and still feeling the afterglow of a fun and adventurous day, we sauntered back to our room and tucked ourselves in for the night. However, there must have been something in the day that was troublesome to my heart because my sleep was restless. Around three in the morning, I awoke with my eyes shooting wide open, while the remnants of an amazing dream continued to play before my mind’s eye. Quickly and quietly, I slid out of bed, picked up the pen and tablet from the desk, and tip-toed into the bathroom, quietly shutting the door. I had to write this one down before it began to fade from my memory. I held onto the dream by its wispy tentacles and started writing. I saw my husband and me in a room where people behaved with a façade of sophistication as they sipped their cocktails. Looking around, I didn’t like what I saw. The pseudo trendies were being flirtatious, superficial, and too casual with each other. My husband was starting to get into the swing of things, but I started backing away. He turned and saw me leaving. As I ran out of the room, my clothes fell away, as did his when he came running after me. (I paused in my writing and considered that they represented the trappings of the world.) |
Out the door of the party room, we found ourselves in a long corridor where antique arcade machines were lined up along the left wall. Men in overcoats and fedora felt hats were sitting and playing the machines, some turned and gave us puzzled looks as we ran by them. When we passed through the next door, we found ourselves outside. The weather turned dark and stormy with torrential rains. We ran as fast as we could to find shelter and saw a houseboat tied up along the dock. We were being pelted by the rainstorm, so we jumped onto the large, covered deck. In the roof was a trap door that kept banging from the gusts of wind. I hurried over to the door of the cabin. It had a glass pane in it, so I peeked inside. I saw what appeared to be 1950's styled living room with overstuffed chairs and an antique radio standing on the floor. We knocked, but no one answered. I tried the handle. It was unlocked, so we cautiously went in.
As soon as we entered, the houseboat started pulling away from the stormy shore. Then, as only in dreams, it converted into a speedboat. The driver turned around and looked at us with a big smile on his face - that grin belied the conclusion that he was an angel. He was taking us to "the other shore" where the weather was sunny and calm. We pulled alongside the landing and saw a broad sandstone stairway carving its way down toward us. Now, here is the thrill of the dream! Walking down the stairway was a fit and slender man dressed in what I would describe as Joseph’s coat of many colors. I could tell at first glance that this One, "whom my soul doth cherish," was Jesus Christ, my Redeemer! His radiant face was oval-shaped and had a pleasant countenance. The tone of his skin was that of a smooth almond. His hair, which reached to his shoulders, and his beard was the color of ripe chestnuts. His eyes! His piercing blue eyes were filled with tender compassion and understanding. Jesus reached down with his hand to mine and gently helped me out of the boat. I could barely look into those beautiful eyes, and I felt my strength begin to wane at his touch. My husband, Gary, on the other hand, climbed out of the boat with confidence and assurance. Together, the three of us started walking down a path along the shore. As we walked, my heart spoke these words, “Did you have any idea how hard life was going to be?” Jesus tucked me under his arm and held me close as he spoke to my heart, “I knew, my child, I knew. He took us to a place of refreshment and escorted us to a booth where two other people were sitting. The Lord excused himself and left. As the people chatted, I looked to my left through a window and saw what appeared to be a waiting room. In the room were all manner people… waiting. Waiting for their names to be called. My attention was brought back to the table when I heard one of the people say, “They’re wondering why the Lord brought them here. He just wanted to encourage them in their marriage!” (Thank you, dear Lord. you certainly did.) |