30/12/2024
**The House on the Top of the Mountain**
As I slowly opened my eyes, I was alone in an unfamiliar place. The surroundings were peaceful, and the untouched nature created a beautiful scene. The night sky was filled with countless twinkling stars, creating a serene atmosphere. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, filling the air with a soothing melody, and the scent of the sea added to the calmness of the place. As I looked around, searching for familiar faces, I found none. I was captivated by a beautiful mountain in the distance, its peak glowing with enchanting lights. I sat on a large rock, wonderstruck by the mountain's secrets. "Perhaps there’s a lovely house up there," I whispered. The stunning view filled me with joy and excitement.
Returning to the sea, I felt the freezing air embrace me. Sitting on the fine white sand, I enjoyed the calmness and chill in the air. As I gazed at the sky, the mesmerizing twinkle of the stars enchanted me. However, the stars began to vanish as clouds raced across the sky, warning of an impending storm. In the distance, I spotted a man in a boat with a lamp. I called out for help, and an old fisherman appeared. Despite his questions, I couldn't provide any answers. I could only say, “I don’t know why I’m here or where I’m headed.” The older man kindly warned me about the approaching storm and offered to help me find shelter. Before leaving, I asked him if he could take me to the other side of the sea, pointing towards the house on top of the mountain.
The fisherman and I climbed into his boat, and as we sailed across the sea, the water was calm, illuminated by the moonlight. The fisherman asked if I was sure about going to the top of the mountain. Excitedly, I replied, "Yes!" The old man warned it wouldn’t be easy, especially with the storm approaching. He mentioned the dark, tricky path filled with large, dried branches and the possibility of falling and getting hurt. He expressed doubt that I could make it to the top. I insisted I could, showing more concern for him due to his age. He revealed that he goes to a house in the mountains every day, serving as both a fisherman and a carpenter. This revelation left me shocked and filled with admiration and respect.
As the storm approached while we crossed the sea, I became frightened. A thunderclap startled me, and I clung to the old man’s hand. He comforted me, reminding me I had already overcome many storms, and questioned why I should be afraid now. Peace washed over me as I looked at the fisherman’s face. As we neared the other side, I thanked him and asked if I could call him “father,” to which he agreed. We finally reached the shore, safe and sound. Grateful and excited, I thanked him once more. As the rain fell, we continued towards the top of the mountain. The road was steep, and I stumbled many times. Doubts began to creep in; I wondered if I could continue due to my bruises and the difficult path. The fisherman encouraged me to keep going, sharing wisdom about perseverance and patience. He highlighted the difference between feeling tired and giving up, and I realized I was merely exhausted and not ready to quit. Without realizing it, we finally arrived at the house's front gate. Overwhelmed by the beautiful sight, I felt like I was in heaven, unable to believe I had reached the top of the mountain, almost touching the clouds.
As I entered the gate, I was greeted by the sight of light casting a glow on the branches of the trees, making the entire area look like a palace. Wearing a warm smile, the fisherman seemed to notice how amazed I was. I asked him if I could explore the place, and he gladly agreed. When I inquired if anyone else was in the house, he replied with a smile that no one was there except for him, as he was responsible for taking care of the house and painting it. Excitedly, I asked if I could go inside, and he welcomed me warmly. As I walked around, I was captivated by the vibrant colours and sweet fragrances of the flowers surrounding the area, creating an incredibly serene atmosphere. I approached the edge of the mountain to look down, but it was too dark to see anything. The fisherman then suggested I go inside to find a room to rest.
The house’s interior was stunning, featuring fixtures I would love in my home—from the elegant silver and gold pillows to the light-coloured paint that enhanced its overall beauty. I noticed a long table set for ten people in the dining room and assumed it was for a large family. The fisherman chuckled and asked why I thought about it. I pointed out the abundance of food on the table—fruits, pasta, and delightful dishes. When I asked him why he thought no one was home, he said the food was for me.
After eating, he suggested I rest while he finished his tasks, leaving me free to explore the house. I found three spacious rooms upstairs; as much as I wanted to take a nap, I was enchanted by the entire place. I returned to the garden, where the cool air enveloped me. I spotted a large rock and decided to settle on it, and before I knew it, I drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
I felt a soft tap on my shoulder, so I turned slowly to find a fisherman standing behind me. I asked where he had been, and he explained that he had just been around. The fisherman then asked me, "What are you doing here? It’s cold. Why didn’t you rest in one of the rooms?" I replied, "I was hesitant to enter the room. I was afraid the owners might return, and honestly, I was worried that the cold was too much for you to handle."
Just then, as I looked up, a warm ray of sunlight touched my face, and a radiant figure in a flowing white dress appeared. I turned to the fisherman and looked at him closely, feeling like I had witnessed something magical and extraordinary. Slowly, the fisherman removed his hat and gently asked me, "Do you recognize me now?" Overcome with emotion, I cried and embraced him as he revealed himself, saying, "Yes, child, I am Jesus Christ." He embraced me, held my hands, and said, "Look at me, my child. I am here in front of you."
I asked him, "Am I dreaming?" He answered, "No, I am real. Come, touch my wounds." As my fingers brushed against his hands, I exclaimed, "Oh, you're real!" Speechless, I was filled with wonder.
Jesus then said, "You have asked me many times if anyone was in the house, and I told you no one was here because this house belongs to you. I built it for you. Remember when you prayed for things that never seemed to happen and felt like I never answered? Your heart was shattered, and you kept asking me why. I was always here, answering your prayers. This is your home, your new haven. I witnessed your pain and struggles and never ignored your unspoken prayers and silent cries when you were hurting. It’s not that I disregarded your feelings—I love you and always will. During the times when you thought I had left you, I was here, building your house. The difficult times have passed. All the hardships are over.
He wiped my tears and whispered, "Rest now, my child. You are finally home with me ❤️"
The soul unfolds