Who'll Sing When I'm Gone

“Whatever lies ahead, may I be singing when the evening comes." ~ Matt Redman

The day was almost perfect - fresh flowers, a peaceful view, and his favorite music, Matt Redman’s “10,000 Reasons.”  Almost perfect . . . because the old priest was dying.  No more walks in the park, no more baptisms.  He’d not see another snowfall.

The pain that once burned like fire had faded into an icy numbness.  He’d meet his maker soon as well as all those who’d passed before him.  A certain joy filled the fragile heart that would soon beat for the last time.

He was everything you'd want a priest to be - humble and respectful, devoutly faithful, a rock in troubled times.  Denying himself the personal comforts of family and home life, Father O’Brien loved without boundaries and gave more than he kept for himself.  A true hero who inspired all those who sought the Kingdom of God.

O’Brien took notice as the seasoned Oncologist entered the room.  She had a soldier’s posture; every action was precise and purposeful.  “Father, I’m afraid we’ve done all we can,” she said in the cold and distant way professionals do.

“You say that as if it’s a bad thing?” he countered.

She nervously adjusted the IV drip, not sure what to say next.  “Can I ask you a question Padre?”

“Of course,” he said managing a smile etched with the deep lines of laughter and wisdom.

“The Catholic Church has been around for centuries, yet the world seems more hostile and selfish than ever before.  Hasn’t your Christianity failed?”

The gentle man paused before responding.

“Diabetes,” he began, breaths coming in ragged, shallow gasps, “has been around long before Christ.  Over the past three decades, the number of people with diabetes has more than doubled globally, making it one of the most important public health challenges on earth.  Despite the odds, your profession continues seeking new ways to combat the epidemic, right?”

“I suppose,” she answered wondering where the old codger man was going with this.

“Unlike me, Christianity is NOT on life support.”  Pleased with his attempt at humor, the old priest continued.  “Christianity, like insulin, must be applied daily if it’s to make a difference.”

“Christianity isn't normal anymore,” he continued.  “It never should’ve been.  We’re finding new ways of reaching people.  Churches that thrive today are vibrant, cross-cultural congregations that aren't afraid to be seen as atypical.”

Someone once asked Billy Graham, “If Christianity is valid, why is there so much evil in the world?”  To this the famous preacher replied, “With so much soap, why are there so many dirty people in the world?”

Father O’Brien had provided one final dash of hope before his journey heavenward.

Lord God, make us to be a church that is thankful to You and for You.  May Your Word and work captivate our hearts, minds and actions.  Cause us to grow in Your Word and walk in a manner worthy of it.  Amen

A Night in the Forest

He’ll not fail you or abandon you, so never be afraid.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:8

The forest Amir entered with his father that evening seemed mystical at first.  Thick foliage formed an arch of fairytale-green above them.  In the distance, a lone songbird was soon joined by his beaked companions, creating a symphony of song.

But the further they trekked, the more it turned daunting and primeval.  A woody, organic haze hung like a sentinel to rotting leaves and branches.  Massive roots spread-eagled the ground, twisting like the backs of sea serpents.  Amir stood in awe of mighty, majestic trees; their knotted arms rising ever upwards, awash in a tender glow.

They arrived at a wide glade, where the trees fell away, revealing a sky speckled with the evening’s first stars.  A cool night breeze swept over Amir like tiny pin pricks.  An ore-gold moon rose quietly in the distance, casting a honeyed sheen over the foliage.

In his village’s culture, young boys became men only after being left in the forest by themselves, tied to a log and blindfolded until dawn.

As he heard his father’s footsteps disappear into the distance, the forest grew eerily quiet.  The only thing Amir heard was his own shallow breathing.  Chills raced down his spine as the rustle of leaves echoed in the night.

Crunch, crunch . . . crunch.  The sound was short and harsh, like a noisy cat stalking its prey.

Fear choked him as cold sweat dripped from his face.  His heart pounded like a base drum.  Amir thought he saw something moving.  Could it be his imagination?  A twig snapped.  His heart skipped.

Then things grew quiet again.  A slight breeze whistled softly as the once-busy ecosystem rested.

As dawn broke, distant traffic sounds filtered through trees.  Amir took a deep contented breath and removed the blindfold.  Two robins pecked in the grass looking for worms.  A bed of daffodils glowed yellow in the morning light.  He hugged himself, while a nippy breeze poked through his thin cotton shirt.

And then she saw it.  His father sat across the way; a watchful guardian.  He’d been there all night protecting him from any harm.  Amir ran to his father, hugging him in a loving embrace.

When they were leaving, Amir risked a glance over his shoulder.  The forest looked freeze-frame perfect in the enhanced light of the full dawn.  His father had protected him last night, just like his Heavenly Father does every second of every day.

God is no less present behind the shadow of the moon than right beside you right now.  In fact, without His omnipresence, prayer would be ineffective.  He promises you: “Before you call I will answer; I’ll hear while you’re still speaking.”

Thank you God for guiding and protecting me.  The times I thought I could save myself ended in failure.  I’ve committed many mistakes in my life.  Forgive me and lead me on the right path with Your love and patience.  Amen