You remember the apples in the wooden box. Maybe the donkey would like one? You open the box. To your astonishment you see while you were sleeping the food you ate has been replenished. The donkey trots up and looks expectant. You pick up an apple and hold out your hand. He takes the apple from you. As if in thanks he paws the ground with a front leg. Not knowing when your next meal might be, you put bread and cheese and a couple of apples in your pocket, leaving enough for another traveller. The donkey, having eaten the apple, now waits by the stone seat as if to indicate you can use this to get on his back.
Once balanced on the donkey, you take the reins, even though you trust him to take you where you should go. The donkey is miraculously able to manoeuvre over and between the rocks blocking the small gap between the well and bushes. Seated on him, you are slightly higher than some of the bushes and can see over into the dark depths of the forest.
You sway side to side as the donkey continues to pick his way through the many rocks that continue for some considerable time. It isn’t the most comfortable of journeys! The sun has now disappeared behind the tall trees, the large rocks tinged with white, grey and yellow help to reflect the remaining light. The air is warm and scented, and although alone with no idea of your destination you feel safe and at peace.
“The Lord says, ‘I leave the gift of peace with you – my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear, or be troubled in your hearts – instead, be courageous!’ John 14:27 (TPT)
While allowing yourself to be led, contemplate your surroundings.