Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: FAMILY VACATION (07/30/15)
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TITLE: Family: The Alpha and the Omega | Previous Challenge Entry
By Hugh Houchin
08/06/15 -
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As they left, one of the members hollered for them to check the air pressure in the front passenger side tire when they stopped for gas. It looked low.
Leaving the waving hands behind Pastor Keith reminisced, “Sweet Emily, remember the day you decided we should move out here? It was after Superintendent Anderson called and suggested we come out of retirement; this congregation couldn’t find anyone to pastor their church.”
“Well, precious wife, how about a tiny rural flock of people in the middle of cattle country in Nebraska? Grassy Plains is the largest county in the state, but there are more cattle than people that dot those grasslands. You want the challenge?”
Emily drummed her fingers on the arm of the couch, “Do you still respond to that word Pastor before your name?”
“Have for over 50 years.”
Emily stopped drumming her fingers. “Then what part of lets go don’t you understand?”
“You won’t divorce me?”
Chuckling, Emily said, “I should have a long time ago. Before I learned your ‘shall we take this challenge’ is really ‘were going to take this challenge.’ My going along with it only bolsters your male ego. Nevertheless, your eagerness to face any challenge is what I fell in love with; I’m stuck.”
“Congregation’s so small they can’t afford a salary.”
“We’re retired; we weren’t expecting more money to come in.”
“You talked me into it. Let’s do it,” Pastor Keith said feigning a tone of defeat. “I should know better than to argue with you. You always win.”
As with any God-honoring situation, the fit between the McManness’ and their unique parishioners was snug, like a new pair of western-cut blue jeans. The small congregation filled the role of the family the McManness’ never had; Pastor Keith and Emily filled the role of mature spiritual leaders the congregation never had.
While the flock learned about the grace of God, the shepherds learned about calving, roping, and coyotes.
As history buffs, this year Pastor Keith and Emily year decided to take a long overdue Nebraska vacation; they planned to visit some of the historical sites that dotted the landscape of the state.
After leaving the church that Sunday they drove south to catch the Interstate. They filled up with gas before entering the four lane thoroughfare but forgot to check the tire.
“You wide awake, Keith? Okay if I take a short nap?”
“Be my guest, but when you wake up it’s your turn to drive and my turn for a long nap.”
They heard a loud pop and the steering wheel spun out of Keith’s hand. Then the sound of cracking fiber glass as the van rolled. Keith and Emily were deathly silent.
A soft, pleasant, reassuring voice said. “Welcome home faithful servants, enter through the gate and join your spiritual family for your eternal vacation. Let me show you a couple of things.”
Pastor Keith said, “Lord, I have to tell you about something”…
“Shh,” the calm, in charge, voice said. He pointed at a stream.
“That’s the river of life that flows and sparkles from the Father’s and the Son’s royal thrones. Through that river you’ll find sustenance; as an eternal bond servant of the Son you will see Him as He is. His glory illumines eternity and there’s no other light.
“Would you like to peak on your former earthly habitat?”
“Yes, that will give me a chance to”…
“Shh, you both sit down and watch below.”
Pastor Keith and Emily looked and saw their former congregation grieving over their deaths and the fact they had no pastor to comfort them.
“Excited,” Keith said, “That’s what I wanted to tell”…
“Shh.”
A man on a motorcycle rode up to the church and parked his bike. “Understand you need a pastor?”
The congregation nodded their heads.
The stranger spoke. “I’m your new pastor and here’s my commission.” He handed them a scroll.
They untied and unwound the scroll and gasped. On the papyrus was a picture of Pastor Keith and Emily with a cross emblazoned over them.
“Lord,” Keith spoke in hushed tones. “All the time You knew everything and prepared”…
“Shh.”
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