I had been in this descending tunnel with Him before. It was dark, rough-hewn, marks of its working still visible on the stone walls. We passed the Room of Boxes on our left. He had surprised me pleasantly there. Today He led me past the step up to its door and on down.
The tunnel curved, lit only by far spaced flickering torches and the one He held up before us. We descended for what seemed a long time, curving right, then left, then right again – but always downward. I wondered how far underground we had come and what He wanted to show me here.
Even after the previous joyous time in the Room of Boxes I felt trepidation and worry, steeling myself against what surely must bring correction, discipline, punishment… No matter how kindly given, it would hurt.
After some time He stopped at a small landing before a large, ancient wooden door with brass fittings and a large brass handle, tarnished but glistening here and there in the flame’s light. The tunnel continued to the left, but was narrower, as if this was the main destination.
“Open it,” He said, with a slight smile, nodding toward the door.
I took a deep breath and held it as I reached for the handle. It turned stiffly in my hand until I heard a click. I pulled, then pulled harder as I felt its weight resisting. After the first tug it moved smoothly toward me, the crack between it and the edge widening, light pouring gently through.
When the door was fully open I stepped through. And caught my breath.
I had thought us far beneath the main cavern we had started in. But straight ahead of me was a long wall of windows that ran from the floor up at least eight meters to curve inward forming a kind of solarium in the outer half of the hall. Perhaps “Hall” would be more accurate. The place was filled with light! A set of doors opened through this glass wall onto a wide patio beyond which a lush garden stretched into the distance.
I gaped. I loved light! And nature.
I looked to my left. A long wide Hall led to a huge fireplace built into a wall painted white. A huge mirror above the mantel made the room seem even larger. Lush carpet, white with light blue curved patterns covered the floor. Before the fireplace was a grouping of settee, easy chairs, and tables that called a welcome. To the right, along the wall of windows, other intimate gatherings of chairs promised comfort and ease. To the left, the same – though the left wall held, not windows, but beautiful artwork mounted between bookshelves. Lamps provided a warm ambience like an embrace.
Two sofas faced each other with a gorgeous coffee table between them halfway to the fireplace. Side tables bore lamps and books.
The whole long, elegant Hall welcomed me in ways I hadn’t thought I’d like but felt so right.
He tapped me and pointed to the right of the door we had entered by. There, in a cosy nook looking toward the window wall, slightly higher than the main floor, sat an open roll-top desk, a plethora of little drawers, cubby holes, slots, and nooks were visible, begging to be opened and used. A comfortable looking office chair sat before the desk, which held a pad of paper waiting to be written on. A small lamp sat on the right of the desk.
I couldn’t help the smile on my face. The nook was like a dream come true – ready and waiting just for me.
This room!
The light!
The colours – all white and light blues with splashes of turquoise and some darker blues!
The writing nook!
It was perfect.
I turned to Him.
“It’s beautiful! I don’t understand…?”
“This is for you. Where you can relax and feel at home. Write. Read. Dream. Watch the garden,” He nodded toward the patio. “Sit out there with a drink and just be.” He paused, then said gently, “I know you. I see you.”
Tears pricked my eyes at His tenderness.
“I thought…” I hesitated to reveal my fears and doubts, my negative expectations.
He laughed. “I know. Trust me, Little One. I want only your good. Now… explore. Enjoy.”
