Christian Living

As he stood in line, he thought back to all the events of his life leading to this point. Time had cheated him, and the extent of what “should have been”… wasn’t. In reality, he hadn’t been promised longevity. Still, he had expected it.

Looking around, he saw some of the people standing in line were holding slips of paper in their hand. It looked important, for they seemed to cling to it with their very life… almost as if their life depended on it. He pushed the ludicrous thought away, after all, they were all standing here, and life was over for them. Whatever it was that came next was for everyone. He confirmed in his head, "If there's anything after this, we're all going together."

Still, seeing so many with the slip made him uneasy, and upon being asked, the person in front of him smiled cheerfully and answered, “My passport...”

Memories of a recent life hit him like a wave as he remembered being asked several times throughout his life, if he too, would like to accept a passport. He recalled it had been free; he just needed to accept it. He didn’t have time for such nonsense then. He was too busy living life. He was sure he could get his passport later... if he even needed one. Yet, now, he wondered…

He shook his head, as if to release the thoughts and as he looked at her, he saw her smiled fade as she glanced at his empty hands, with a sorrowful expression. She turned away, looking ahead with anticipation, and didn't look back again.

As the line shortened, he could see another line forming. Not everyone was getting on the train. The ones left standing had no slip as they waited for the next train. The one who had been in front of him was the last to board and the door shut before he could enter.

“What about me?”

One from the newly formed line explained, "We didn’t accept our passports…”

He didn’t want his… he didn’t need it… and now he stood and watched, as this train drove away to eternal grace and happiness…

He watched the train until it was completely out of site. Those left waiting, along with the deafening silence was all that remained... and then...

Clack… Clack… Clack… The sound of the next train hammered at his heart, as reality engulfed him. He had no passport... and this train, the one he had chosen by not choosing, was coming for him.




Amy Verlennich is a "bride" to her best friend, Michael, and homeschool mom to six precious blessings. If you ask her, she would tell you her interests include; "writing, I think I'd really love to sew, and I'm sure I'd be a great maid (if the pay was good). Other than that, I'm 'just' a mom who starts every day over (after messing SOMEthing up the day before), knowing God's grace is overflowing (just like my laundry), and I'm so thankful He's blessed me more than I'll ever deserve." Michael and Amy make their home in Staples, Minnesota.