Fiction

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It was the beginning of what I thought was going to be a great day. Then at the moment I had no more than spoke it out of my mouth, there was a knock at the door. I set my coffee cup down on the table next to my chair and went to see who was knocking so abruptly on my door at such an early hour. As I opened the door there was a loud voice saying, "is anyone home, hello, is anyone here?" I was totally taken by surprise when I saw who was standing at my door. His name, Jeffery Long, a member of my church. God, forgive me for what I'm about to say. But this man would make even the strongest, maturest Christan I know question God's en-tent for having Jeffery in the ministry he is in.


You see Jeffery is a puppet master in the puppet ministry. He has no tact, he's obnoxious, and he is just totally annoying. I am really going to need to get on my knees before God by the time I finish with my story. Jeffery was at my house in need of a helper for the puppet show that was being given on Sunday morning. As he explained, the girl that usually helps in the programs had called in sick. I thought to my self, I wonder why God allowed this? Am I being tested, or punished for not inviting Jeffery to my luncheon last Sunday after church? As Jeffery continued talking as fast as he could get the words out of his mouth,I continued praying for God to please help me. I kept waiting for God to stop him from talking just long enough to tell me, this was a mistake or that he needed someones address or phone number to help him with the program. But I heard nothing. Nothing but Jeffery.


By the time Jeffery was finished with his plead for help with the program all I could do was nod my head. My head was saying yes, and my thoughts were thinking why me God, why me. As Jeffery went out the door he was totally appreciative of my help. I closed the door leaning on it with all my weight thinking, why did I even open it in the first place. As I stood there still listening for God to tell me why me, I yet to hear his voice. So, I told myself there is a lessen to be learned in all of this. I will just have to wait to see what it is.


I went about my day doing the normal days duties and still in the back of my mind thinking of Jeffery. That evening I ask God to forgive me for my actions and thoughts pertaining to Jeffery. And in the hush of silence of my own mind, I head God speak to my heart. "You are the one that will give Jeffery the friendship he needs." I thought, God was that you? He spoke again saying, "all reasons for my decision you will not understand at this time. But in time you will." With that, I went to bed early to be ready for the mornings program.


As I went into the church to help Jeffery ready for the program, I was approached by a young lady. She ask me if I knew where she could find Jeffery Long? I pointed her in the direction of the stage door entrance. As she walked away she was pulling a letter from her briefcase. I didn't think any more about it until I entered the back stage dressing room. There I found the young lady leaving with her head down and trying not to look upset. Then as she passed me I could see Jeffery holding this letter in between his hands. The look on his face I will never forget. He looked like he had just lost his best and only friend in the world. All I could say was Jeff, Jeff. Are you okay? Is there anything I can do? Please tell me what's wrong. Jeffery had no words. For the first time in all the three years I have known him he said nothing. I Walked over to Jeffery and knelt down beside him. I removed the letter from his hands and began to read it. It wasn't a letter, but a telegram from the Ambassador of Afrea. Some where in the middle East. The first words I read were, it is my deepest regret to inform you of your families fatal tragedy. Both your parents and your siblings were killed in a trouble accident. I gasp. I could hardly compose myself. I put my arms around Jeffery and tried to get him to look up at me. He didn't even know I was there. I rushed out into the church to get help from some of the elders of our church. Jeffery was taken to the hospital for observation.


Days went by, then weeks and still no good word on Jeffery. Each day I would call to see if there were any change in his condition. On the first day, of the first month, of Jeffery's families death and Jeffery's condition the Lord spoke to me once again about Jeffery. "You are the one". I am the one? "You are the one that will give Jeffery the friendship he needs." Then I remembered the same words the Lord had spoke to me a month before. And I also remembered He had told me, "all reasons for my decision you will not understand at this time." And I didn't. He said in time I would. And now I do.


Jeffery had not spoken from the moment he read the telegram from the middle East. It was now my time to be the friend that Jeffery needed. Everyday from that morning, I would go to the hospital and spend as much time with him as I could. After two months in the hospital Jeffery was being sent home. Myself and a few others from our church were there waiting for Jeffery's arrival home. Jeffery was in good health, he just wouldn't, or couldn't talk. The doctors said in time he might begin to talk again.


As the months passed I became closer and closer to Jeffery. We even worked the puppet ministry together. He was still the puppet master, but I was the voice of the puppet master. It took a lot of hard work to be able to know Jeffery's every move with the puppets to make sure the voice was with the right movement.


After about a year I realized I had fallen in love with the puppet master. And the puppet master was just as much in love with me, as I was with him. Jeffery and I were married. About eight months after we were married I awoke to someone in the kitchen whistling. I ran down the stairs to see who in the world was in my kitchen whistling at that hour of the morning. And in the same moment wondering, where Jeffery was. And who do you think was in my kitchen whistling? Jeffery! Once again I gasped. Jeffery turned to me and the very first words I heard were, "I love you! I have been in love with you for over five years. Before I lost my voice, before I lost my family, before I came to your home that morning to ask for your help with the program."


Jeffery went on to tell me his actions, behavior and his talking so much before was his nervousness when he was around me. He didn't know how else to get my attention.


I talked God for Jeffery and his behavior before hand, because if he had been any different I probably wouldn't of even known who he was. He was the thorn in my side. Put there by God for a reason.


What or who is the thorn in your side?
Know that it is there for a reason.
We must do as God instructs us in any given situation. Or the consequences will become as a thorn in our side.
The young lady was instructed to befriend Jeffery. And not try to understand.

Scriptues confriming a throm in the side:
Numbers 35;55
Joshua 23;13
Judges 2:3

God-bless

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