Day Nine Hundred Fifty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

How draining it can be to expend oneself all day in the instruction of another. Or in this case more than one “another.” But seldom is anything more rewarding, especially when you sense their hunger for illumination.

All this as a partial explanation for my late rising this morning.

I went in search of Elijah and found him huddled with Reuben and Magwich. It took a moment to catch the gist of their conversation.

Magwich was panicked about the imminent arrival of the commander of the military camp surrounding us. And Reuben sought to encourage him that all would work out.

I volunteered to accompany Magwich as his “model” prisoner.

All ended well, as it was merely a courtesy call.

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Day Eight Hundred Thirty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Despite our times on and off watch through the night and then the daylight hours, Elijah and I continued to gain strength. Partaking of the well water liberally, helped tremendously.

I was on the last watch before our departure when the jackals returned. I nudged Elijah awake.

As it was still light, we had a better view of these animals than last time.

They were horribly deformed, as well as emaciated. Their obvious hunger was spurring them to the attack.

Elijah cracked the lead one on the head with his staff. Its skull fractured in pieces and its body fell in a heap. The other jackal turned and fled.

We set out as planned, remaining on guard against its return.

Day Two Hundred Eleven Morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:

Heat and hunger impede my steps. Though the first diminishes as the night evolves.

Upon setting out I found a walking stick, or staff, as one might say, considering its size. It has been helpful. It’s strength has become mine. I poke in advance of me whenever the way appears treacherous.

Day Two Hundred Ten Morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:

The moon set early last night which left me to stumble in the dark thrice. Nothing serious except the last incident, when my clumsiness stirred up a nest of snakes. I fled and managed not to get bitten.

But I did have to stop and rest earlier than planned.

Hunger and thirst increase.

Day Two Hundred Six Late Morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Enough writes:

So good to rest after walking the night through. Though when moving I did not feel the hunger so keenly.

Wish I could wash. I was pelted with ash borne by the wind from the fires. Did my best to shake it off, but the smell lingers.

Should pass into the desert tomorrow.

Look to the Spirit’s leading.

Day Two Hundred Six Morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:

There it is before me. The desert. Though I can’t see beyond the first dune, I know it’s vastness awaits beyond.

I wonder how my friend Enough is faring. Has he reached the desert? Is he bearing up under the hunger?

I feel as though I have been sleep walking these last three days. It all seems unreal.

Day Two Hundred Five Late Morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Enough writes:

Couldn’t go on beyond four hours of daylight. Sought succor from the sun’s heat in the crevices of the rocky wall that defines my path.

The light of burning fires in the city reflected on the clouds last night helping me along my way. I may only have the moon tonight.

The periods of hunger lengthen.

Hunger and Thirst

There is a hunger
that is not of the body.
A hunger that by the soul
only is known.
A thirst for the gentle curve
of another’s face
looking back into your own.

It’s a thirst not often sated.
It’s a hunger often prolonged
Our own desires oft times taint it.
Other times we’ve clearly been wronged.
Either way we come up empty
and in the midst of a famine again.
Instead of the self-promised plenty
we’re left with nary a friend

We begin by others forsaking,
we end by ourselves being forsook.
We never see ourselves making
our lives to others a sealed book.
With a strap and a lock
binding us tight
with the key having locked it
clasped in our fist-
shoved in our pocket
-deep down-
out of sight.

Still the desire within is to be opened –

to be read – and understood-

and loved.

There is One only who can do it.

One tender enough not to tear

the pages as He goes through it.

In fact, He’ll mend and repair

and pour Himself into it

and shoulder each burdensome care.

“Come and eat,” He says, “at my table.”

“Come and drink,” He says, “of my wine.”

“ Come to me,” He says, “I’ll make you able.”

“Come to me,” He says, “abide in my vine.”

“By my side you shall no longer hunger.

“By my side you shall no longer thirst.

“You shall no longer labor under

that despot, sin, for which all is curst.”

True to say
that first time I heard His voice I dared not to answer
at His look I turned and ran the other way
I sensed the cost would mean all of me
and I knew I could not give that away.

Yet He persisted in pursuing me in my flight.
(As He is pursuing you, my dear friend, even now)
For all around us we are finding only deeper night.
(As I am sure if you’re truthful you’ll allow)

So turn, as I did, to enter His Light
Give Him the key to your life
you’ve been holding so tight.
Why get your fill of meaningless strife?

As I lay starving in that uttermost place
I turned and my gaze was drawn His way.
Drawn to the warm, gentle curve of His face-
and I drank in all He had to say,

“I was broken in my body for your hunger.

“Iron spilled my blood for your thirst.”

As my eyes clung to Him, they were opened.
In all His pain He showed me my worst.
“It was for me You bled,” I said.
For all my blackness inside – His heart had burst.
In response to such love I could do nothing less
than find all my joy in putting Him first.

From that day to this
there’s been no turning back
I look to Him so I will not miss
the way or take the wrong path.

Cleaving to His side
I no longer hunger
Leaving all my pride
I no longer thirst
I find I can bear up under
all life’s problems, even the worst.

Now, the desire within

now I am opened.

Is to read of Him

and to Him understand.

For I realize that it’s me He’ll send
(That’s always been part of His plan.)

Sent to love others

so it says, as my very self
and to proclaim to my brothers

that from His table He shares His wealth

and to love Him with all that I can

And to love Him with all that I am.

RWOz2