Stephen Anthony Ray

My favorite place to get away is a place I have christened “The Hill”. It is quite literally just that: a street built upon a hill that overlooks the wooded hills of northern Pulaski County. Also, it is far away enough from the city to get a really clear look at the night sky, stars and moon and all. The street itself is called Miller Road, situated just outside of Sherwood to the north. I have a couple of friends that live on the road, so I became familiar with it in high school and began frequenting the spot often. For me, The Hill is a refuge; a quiet shelter from the storms of an overburdened life. It is here where God seems to be waiting for me every time I come, trading me my heavy laden life for peace and rest. And thus, I find myself here often. In fact, my friends know the spot all too well, often finding me there and remarking, “I thought you might be here.” That, too, is one of the great joys of The Hill: being able to share it with the people I love. I often bring friends there. And whether to pray or talk or just chill, I hope that they get the same something out of the experience that I do. I hope that they leave desiring to come back. I sure do. Even though I am at school, I always make it a point to stop by when I am in town just to sit for a while in quiet recollection. What is so special about this place? Nothing, really. I guess what makes it so beautiful to me is what I experience there…or better still, WHO I experience there. Indeed, God is everywhere. But, especially there, waiting for me to come and talk with him as I, for a moment, escape the bitter cold of a cruel world and rest, unrestrained, in the warmth of his love.

SRay