Time in a Bottle

“We must stay sober and let our faith and love be like a suit of armor.”  - 1 Thessalonians 5:8

Helplessly he watches from a hilltop overlooking the trailer he had once called home, a place now as distant as the passion in his soul.  Loneliness tortures him.

Strangers from a church group work tirelessly to repair parts of his former home damaged by the oppressive Kentucky heat and frequent mudslides.  His young boys seem to enjoy the work . . . and the volunteers’ attention. 

He tries to remember how and when it turned so ugly; why his family kicked him out nearly two years ago.  He’s all alone now - alcoholism grips him like the jaws of a steel vise.  Ironically – he drank to relieve pain . . . and created more instead.

As a young boy, he avoided school because he didn't want anyone to know of his low self-esteem; he didn't want his failings made public.  A rebellious attitude kept those things well hidden.

As a young adult he lived his life on the wrong side of the law - that’s all he knew.  He drank, he fought, he hated, he caused pain and suffering.  

As a father, he was like a tornado ripping his way through their lives.  Hearts were broken.  Fear prevailed.  Trust vanished.  Selfish and inconsiderate habits kept their home in constant turmoil.  Those two boys might tragically end up doing exactly the same with their lives.

Intense shame washes over him - maybe he should just run the hell away . . . or maybe worse!

His boys are productive, happily working alongside the youth volunteers.  These are young men and women to look up to.  Guilt cuts through him.  He should be the one they admire!  He doubts that they ever remember their Daddy sober. 

He knows what to do . . . but remains too terrified to move forward.  Arrogance prevents him from admitting his problem, fearful of what others will say about his weakness.  He knows he must confess honestly and completely to God, admit that he cannot change without His help, and pray for His guidance.

So he closes his eyes, remembering happier times.  Salty tears wet his sun baked cheeks.  Calmly he prays: “Lord, I need your help!  I can’t do this without You!  Amen.”

Today he will stop drinking.  It doesn't mean it’ll be easy; recovery is never guaranteed.  The road will almost certainly be long, difficult and risky.  But he believes that once he has opened his heart with humility to Christ; recovery is possible.

Someday he will begin to reconnect with his family . . . but today marks the first day of his sobriety.  That’s a pretty good start!

Dear Lord, we all know people addicted to one thing or another.  I pray that they find You, but until they do, give me the patience to wait, the courage to serve You and the love to treat them with kindness.  Amen