Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Something to Think About

This comes from the pen of that prolific writer, Anonymous:

Buttprints in the Sand

One night, I had a wondrous dream;
One set of footprints there was seen.
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore.

But then some stranger prints appeared,
And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?"
"Those prints are large and round and neat,
But, Lord, they are too big for feet."

"My child," He said in somber tones.
"For miles I carried you alone.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait.

You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of-faith you would not know.
So I got tired and got fed up,
And there I dropped you on your butt,

Because in life, there comes a time,
When one must fight, and one must climb,
When one must rise and take a stand,
Or leave their buttprints in the sand."

Saturday, March 1, 2008

One Thursday Morning

Chapter 1

Ed and Jenny woke to the sound of orchestra music. They learned a long time ago the squawking of an alarm clock did not make for a pleasant good morning for them.
Ed rolled over and pushed the sleep timer. Jenny usually got up first, but today it looked like she was catching a few more minutes before committing to the day.

“Sleeping in today?” Ed asked as he playfully bounced the bed.

“Hey…” She said, “I don’t have to get up for 23 more minutes.”

“You’re going to be late getting Bobby to the day care if you don’t rise and shine soon, Sunshine.” Ed responded.

“Daycare will be meeting Bobby’s Daddy at the door today. I’ve got an offsite meeting today at the beach, remember?” She said, now sitting up

“Not today, that’s next Thursday. No, no, not today.” Ed replied.

“No, Thursday as in today.” She said

“Oh that’s just great, I’m supposed to pick up the donuts for the meeting this morning. I forgot them the last time and I took razzing for a week over it. I’ll barely have enough time to go to the donut shop and make it to the meeting, much less a side trip to the day care. What a wonderful start to my day!” he exclaimed.

“I’m sorry hon, I thought we were clear on all of this. I’ll have Bobby ready to go
so you can get right out.” She said in an apologetic tone.

Ed got ready, though everything he touched felt the result of his aggravation.
He feigned a smile and brushed past Jenny bending over to pick up Bobby.

“See you tonight, enjoy your day at the beach.” Ed snipped as he left.

Ed took Bobby to the back seat and started to buckle him in the car seat.

“Daddy, when we get there?” Bobby asked with a giggle.

“We’ll get there when we get there!” snapped Ed.

As he backed out of the driveway he almost clipped the mailbox. He sped through the neighborhood concentrating on how he would do everything he needed to do in the time he had to do it. Since the donuts are the responsibility I agreed to, that’s where we’re going first. He thought.

He turned into the donut shop parking lot so sharply that it scared Bobby, who began to cry.

“Daddy, when we get there?” Bobby asked through the tears.

Ed just ignored his son. He pulled up to the drive through order window.

“Welcome to Donut World, may I take your order please?” Came the voice from the sign.

“Yeah, two dozen donuts.” Ed barked.

“Two dozen, yes sir, what kind please?” asked the voice.

“Donuts, Donuts just pick two dozen of something and put it in the box!” Ed demanded.

Ed drove around and paid for the donuts. He drove off quickly barely missing a car turning into the parking lot. Why do they give idiots’ driver’s licenses? What kind of clowns run that DMV?

Speeding down the road to the daycare it seemed he was stopped by every traffic light. Finally he made it to the last light. As they sat in the turn lane, Bobby through his tears asked again,

“Daddy, when we get there?”

“I told you we would be there when we get there!” he shouted “Now knock it off and stop that crying! What’s the matter with you? You’re acting like I’m some kind of monster or something!”

Just then, Ed noticed the delivery truck at the traffic light beside him. A large mirror reflected an angry man with an uncontrolled temper and a child who had no defense against it. He was frightened and embarrassed by what he saw. His lip began to tremble, what am I doing? What have I done? Tears began to roll down his face.

Ed turned the corner slowly as the delivery truck rolled away. He pulled into the parking lot of the daycare and took Bobby from the back seat. Bobby squirmed to get away as Ed began to apologize for being so grumpy. Bobby finally settled down and hugged Ed back.

“Let’s go to school buddy” Ed said in a more quiet voice.

Ed called Jenny and apologized for his attitude and for being hurtful with his words. Jenny forgave him and after the meeting she returned to her office to find a dozen roses. Ed went in to find that the meeting was postponed until Friday due to the illness of his supervisor.

Chapter 2

Ester was a widow who lived with her daughter in the new Marlin Point subdivision. After her husband died she tried to maintain their home, but things eventually got to be more than she could handle. Her daughter, Erica, asked if she would consider moving in with her family and selling the old home place. They would invest the money from the sale of her home and she could come and relax for a change. Ester cautiously agreed and within a month her house was sold.

The mixed emotions of leaving were overshadowed with excitement when she moved into a room prepared for her by her son in law. She had her own bedroom, bathroom and a small kitchenette. They provided her all the privacy she could desire.

The ladies group of Erica’s church made weekly visits to the senior adult ladies. They provided an opportunity for shopping, Doctors appointments or just a nice visit.
Roberta was a kind sort. She always had an uplifting word for everyone she met. One of the joys of her life was to visit her elderly friends of Thursdays. This week she had an appointment to take Ester for a manicure and lunch.

As she drove through the new neighborhood, she was impressed with how quickly it was being built. So many families already moved in. She passed a home with small children playing in the front yard. A few more houses and she saw Ester, rocking on the front porch with what Roberta had called the most beautiful smile in the world.

They greeted and were on their way. Driving back to the main road they approached the house with the children playing.

“Look Dear at that home, who could clean those tall windows?” Ester said half seriously.

As Roberta glanced to see the house, a blue ball rolled out into the street with a small child running after it. An approaching delivery truck passed going the opposite direction. As it passed, the sun reflected off of the mirror on the side of the truck temporarily blinding Roberta.

“Oh my goodness!” cried Roberta as she quickly punched the break peddle causing the tires to squeal.

“Roberta!” said Ester, “That child!”

“Oh my, if it weren’t for that truck, I, I…” Roberta said

“Now, now dear. No harm done. God places His angels around the little ones.” consoled Ester

“I’m so sorry”, came a voice from the truck as it passed.

Chapter 3

Jim Peterson’s cell phone rang. Not unusual for a building company’s field manager to get calls all through the day. He truly hoped it was not bad news on his inspection today. The final was in 3 hours and he had one remaining item to resolve. The mirror that his crew installed in the master bathroom of unit 317 didn’t match the description on the blueprints.

The call was from O’Neal’s Glass and Enclosures.

“Alright. Fine! You people are giving me an ulcer the size of Texas! Just do what you can.” Jim snapped.

“Don’t tell me. The mirror got broken in transit?” asked Ted the site foreman.

“Oh yeah. It’s that dumb mirror. I tell you, you’d think I broke it with all the bad luck I’m getting off of it. The delivery will be delayed for about an hour.” Said Jim

Just then Jim noticed Robert Atwood waking towards him. Robert had been a dependable finish carpenter with the company for nearly ten years.

“Here comes Atwood looking for a raise or any overtime I can give him. Heh, let’s have some fun for a change with this mirror.” Jim chuckled.

“Morning Jim!” said Robert

“Morning Atwood.” Jim replied “Say Robert, you’re always looking for some side jobs for extra cash, right?”

“Well, yes Sir. But I don’t want to be an annoyance.” Said Robert

“Oh no, not at all. In fact, I’m about to offer you an opportunity to make more money on a regular basis.” Said Jim with a wink to Ted. “You know we have this inspection coming up in a couple of hours. Here’s my proposition. If you and your crew get that mirror installed within the next hour, I’ll promote you to site foreman over in the Westfield project.” Said Jim

“Yes, Sir!” said Robert “I’ve been praying about this, and I couldn’t have asked for a better answer.”

The two men shook hands.

Just then, the truck from O’Neal’s Glass and Enclosures honked its horn. Jim ran over to meet the driver.

“Got your mirror Mr. Peterson, and five minutes early!” the driver said excitedly.
“Yeah, yeah. Thanks loads, yippee! Of all days to be early!” grumbled Mr. Peterson

“Yeah, ok, well just sign here, Sir.” The driver responded, slightly confused by the reaction.

Chapter 4

Tom left the midweek prayer meeting wondering. He had heard at least ten people share stories of how God had allowed them to be a positive influence in the lives of friends and strangers alike. Tom couldn’t help believing that his life was too boring to have an impact on anyone. Nevertheless he made the decision to begin praying before he went to sleep that God would use him in a positive way in someone’s life.

It seemed he had laid there for only a few seconds before the alarm clock was announcing a new day. The first thing on Tom’s mind was the last thought he had before going to sleep, God, please show me how to help someone today.

His morning routine seemed to breeze by. Coffee made, breakfast downed, teeth brushed, he headed out the door to O’Neal’s Glass and Enclosures. Tom was the delivery driver for the contractor accounts. As he arrived at work, he saw a 4 x 6 mirror had been loaded on the side of his truck.

“Got an emergency delivery for you this morning Tom.” Jimmy called across the lot.

“Somebody needs to comb their hair at the site?” Tom replied with a laugh.

“Something like that, this house is due for final inspection this afternoon. The buyer noticed that the first mirror didn’t match the blue prints so it needs to be pulled down and replaced before the inspection.” Jimmy said, as he reviewed the work order.

“Well then,” Tom chuckled, “Let’s not keep the inspector waiting. Let me clock in and I’ll get on the road.”

Tom punched the time clock, grabbed his water bottle and headed for the truck.
Turning onto the street from the parking lot he saw the sign, “BEYOND THIS GATE YOU ARE O’NEAL’S GLASS ENCLOSURES” not to mention a guy who is about to be used by God to help somebody, Tom thought.

Tom checked the delivery order, Marlin Point, there’s some money in that place, he thought as he drove along. OK God, where are they? He said in a half whispered prayer. Pulling to a stop at the traffic signal he heard someone shouting. He looked to his left and saw a man screaming at a small child in the back seat.

“I told you we would be there when we get there!” he shouted “Now knock it off and stop that crying! What’s the matter with you? You’re acting like I’m some kind of monster or something!”

Just then, the man looked over at Tom. Tom looked away, pretending not to have seen what had just happened. He glanced back as the light changed. He was taken aback
to see the man staring at the side of his truck with a look of disbelief and a tear streaming down his face. Whatever, thought Tom, Boy, if that guy could see himself like the kid sees him. He really is a monster.

After about a half hour on the road Tom started looking for the large sign for Marlin Point. Should be within the next three miles, He thought. The subdivision was just past the wooded area north of town. Out of the corner of his eye, Tom saw something that he had not noticed before. The reflection of the sun was following him along the roadside. Oh man, I didn’t even check that. The guys were in such a hurry to cut this mirror that they forgot to put the protective plastic over it.

Seeing the entrance he turned into Marlin Point, I hope I didn’t blind anybody on the way. The thought had barely crossed his mind when he heard the screech of tires from a passing car. Immediately he knew what had happened. The mirror had reflected the bright sunlight into the passing driver’s eyes. The driver was blinded for a moment and slammed on the breaks.

“I’m so sorry.” He shouted to the other driver. Oh yeah, he scolded himself, Tom’s gonna really help somebody today, I’ll help them get to Heaven. Man, I can’t believe that.

A few streets down he saw Sailfish Lane. Two more turns and I’m there. Oh Great! Nails were spread across the road. Apparently someone had left a box full on the back of their truck and they had fallen into the street. Tom knew that he had a 10:00 deadline to deliver the mirror, but he was going to have to clear the road to get through. He grabbed the radio being careful of the well worn microphone cord and called the warehouse.

“Jimmy, this is Tom.” He said.

“You’re kind of crackly there but go ahead Tom.” Came the reply

“Hey, I’ve got a bunch of nails in the road here and I’m afraid I’m gonna get a flat tire if I try to drive through them. Can you call ahead to the site and let them know I’m gonna be delayed a bit?” he asked

“Sure, sure, we can do that, just get there as fast as you can, they’ve got an inspection guy coming.” Jimmy replied.

Turning to the office pass through window Jimmy yelled,

“Hey Janet, would you mind calling Mr. Peterson at Marlin Point? Let him know that Tom is on his way but he got a flat tire or something. Tell him Tom will be about 45 minutes late.”

Tom took the shovel off the back of his truck and scraped up the nails as best he could. That went quicker than I figured it would, still I’m glad they called ahead for me.
With the road cleared Tom checked his watch, Not only will I not be late, looks like I’m gonna be early. Now there’s a blessing!






As he arrived at the job site he met Mr. Peterson, the construction foreman.

“Got your mirror Mr. Peterson, and five minutes early!” Tom said excitedly
“Yeah, yeah. Thanks loads, yippee! Of all days to be early!” grumbled Mr. Peterson

“Yeah, ok, well just sign here, Sir.” Tom said, slightly confused by the reaction.

On his way back to the warehouse Tom began a conversational prayer as if God were in the passenger side.

“Well ok God, so we aren’t going to be a blessing today. Huh, the one chance I had the guy didn’t even appreciate it. I don’t know, God, maybe my job isn’t one of those that you can bless people with. I wear a uniform, drive a delivery truck and see construction crews all day. Well, anyway, there’s always tonight after work at the Rescue Mission I guess.” Tom sighed.

The End