September 16

Before I can even think about writing music, I must pick up again the centering and serenity I found at Pecos. Strange how I said to myself as I drove home just a week ago, maybe I don’t really need this sabbatical. I’ve found the inner peace through the guidance of the spiritual direction. It didn’t take long to resume a frantic schedule. Just a few days and once again I must hear that voice, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Yes, Lord, and so I return to solitude. Now settled into a wonderful trailer just East of Eureka Springs Arkansas at the Shepherd’s Inn Retreat Center.

Perhaps the road I travelled today is a good illustration of the path to serenity. I arrived in Tontitown and Springdale just in time for five o’clock rush hour. I didn’t know there could be so much traffic in Northwest Arkansas. Waiting in line through three four cycles at two stop lights. Then turn North on Interstate 540, wow, 70 mph bumper to bumper. And so it went, exit onto US 62 East toward Eureka Springs. The traffic followed. Now it’s bumper to bumper and the road narrows just past Pea Ridge (another Civil War site), the curves begin, still traffic, brake lights, 40… 30… 20… mph, there I see it, about a quarter mile ahead leading the traffic, a road tractor/grader. Five minutes later he pulled to the side and let us autos pass on by.

Finally, a junction, the commuters exit and curve by curve I become all alone. Every few minutes there’s oncoming traffic, but going my way, no one behind and no one ahead, just curve after curve, some slow you to 15 mph, at best you average 30 to 35. I can almost feel myself slowing down. I’m still a little frantic, I want to get to the camper, light the pilot for hot water, get the electricity on, and unload the car.

A quick call to Ken and Sue to tell them thanks, and that everything is up and running at the trailer. Now a sandwich, and a call to Linda to tell her I’m here safe.

Now it’s a little past 11:00 p.m. The computer just locked up, there I’ve restarted. Hum, maybe this blog session is over, it’s time to be still, and get some rest. I’ll post this on 09/17 when I can get some internet space. Did I tell you how awesome the sounds of the Ozarks are in the moonlight? Oh, and the path to serenity is narrow and tricky with lots of unexpected curves and a few slow moving vehicles. Slow down, you move to fast!

Grace and peace, SongWriter