Deep breath...

Far off I look, into the distance. Take a deep breath. The long road that is paved with whispered prayers, hidden dreams, and unanswered questions. I look into the distance. Breathe.

The promises of God are like a sweet smelling perfume. They linger in the air and tease the senses for what's to come. These promises, these whispered yeses are the glue that hold this world-torn heart together. Promises, promised. Breathe in deep the fragrance around.

I look into the distance as I walk the road. I walk and walk, too afraid to linger. The air is mixed now and the sweet smell is fading. Other smells begin to assault my senses... the bitter smell of doubt, the putrid smell of rotting fear, and the spicy smell of anxiety. My feet beckon me to run, to run from these new smells and chase down the sweet smelling perfume. Promises, I long to breathe in the promises.

I look in the distance where the light mingles with the horizon colors. I take a deep breath. I remind myself of the promises. I stare at the pavement. The reminder of the whispered prayers, the hidden dreams, and the unanswered questions. My breath is staggered and heavy at times. The promises are great but so are the fears, the doubts.

The pavement turns the color of burnt orange and red. The sun is golden and large for the harvest. The road is long, maybe longer than before. From the dirt rises the sweet smelling perfume. Promises. Promised. Deep breath.

The fragrance beckons me to walk. The promises lead me on. I breathe in deep. I make a promise, a promise to myself. With dirt stained feet and world-torn hands I take a deep breath and promise.

The promises of God. The promises of man. One will endure. The other will end.

My promise is this: To never give up. To never give in. To remember the fragrance no matter what smells attack. To cling to the promises that come from God.

Breathe. Breathe in deep. Remember.