Afterword: Benediction of the Night
"How could I have ever forgotten," I wondered, "that all that I am is lovingly merged with every ancient longing ever felt?" I imagined all that I have experienced in life weaving like a tendril of smoke out through my window and into the woods, where it joined with the frogs croaking, the distant ducks quaking and the music of the stars above our beloved bungalow.
"There was never anything to fear," I thought. All the upheaval, soul searching, misery and pain become a part of the glory that is our eternal heritage. In the depths of our hearts, if we look deep enough and are willing to wait, the comprehension enfolds us---and one day, we know we have become wise---like so many who have gone before us. We can't help but count the scars and we think, "there have been too many." Yet within the same breath, we also know that there is strength and beauty beyond measure in the price we have paid. Drifting, I feel carried within the soul of God as the moonlight silhouettes the vibrant, secret world outside my window and in my quietly beating heart.
"It's all been worth it," I think in wonder. All the tears, hopes, yearnings to be my highest self, the patience, the sacrifice, openness and untold prayers. This night is like a benediction as in the stillness the words of Psalm 42:8 linger, "...and at night His song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life." In that moment, I give myself over to the destiny of my life as one journey ends and another unfolds.
Joni Woelfel has done it again! Her words flow magically into the heart of the reader and "A Party of One" not only gives insight into a journey that is personal but rings true within each of our own souls. There is a part of each of us on the pages and even though she gives us permission to read her work in any order that benefits us--- it would have been difficult for me to put it down and not flow with the pattern of ministry she unknowingly knits into the lives of all who read the book. Like the leaves churning in the soft fall breeze, her writing evokes a certain calm in the midst of life?s storms and helps us to see the beauty on the canvass, if we only turn the storms over to God. She gives glory and honor to Him in her written work which is done in deep, beautiful tones to match each episode she shares. Get cozy and get ready to enter into an experience that brings you the freedom to say "YES" to what life may bring your way. This is a book that makes a wonderful gift. First, a gift to yourself and next a gift to pass on to anyone you cherish in life---whether they are living alone or not.