RUST ON MY SOUL (29th episode in series)

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RUST ON MY SOUL (A Novel) (Published by Bridge Press in 1985 & Distributed Internationally)

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INTRODUCTION (Repeated for those new to the series)

In an old loose leaf notebook, Thomas Kettering wrote when there was a cry from his heart. He wrote when his inner longing spilled over into the reality of his days. He did not write every day, only when he felt he must. How often he wrote or when is not important. The journey is what counts, for it is a diary about all of us, to all of us. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” and even a stumble is a step.

Morning

It wasn’t a dream. Connie did come home yesterday. And now the restoration of a family must begin.

Somehow I must find the right words at the right time and forget the reruns in the movie house of my mind.

“I hate you, dad! I hate you!” And the next day Connie was gone. And now she is back.

I have forgiven her, but I can’t forget. All the time she was out there I wavered between a father’s love and concern and a human being’s hurt and anger.

The angry words from both sides are at least temporarily defused by time and relief. I have no lectures ready.

That would be pointless.

Her leaving and returning is another chapter in our experience of living together. I know she needs love, and multiple kinds of caring. But can I supply my share?

Lord, put patience between us and our hurts. Tie anger down with a cord of love. Anger is such a superficial thing, so easily grabbed and flailed about. Let fear of the past lead us to walk softly into the future.

In a world where I learned that words can came back to haunt you. I have too long walked with emotional caution. Teach me to once again give verbal expression to the love I feel.
Early Evening

Today was crisp and filled with Christmas. The stores have been trying to get us in the festive spirit for months and it’s finally beginning to take. Having Connie home is all the presents I want, wrapped up in one.

Later in the Evening

“Don’t forget the axe.”

“I have it.”

“Look! It’s beginning to snow!”

There was no snow. It was 73 degrees and the palm trees outside our Miami condominium rustling in the perpetual southeasterly breeze was a close to a pine as we would get.

“We can tow it back on our sled.”

We stepped outside to bathe in the light of our large tropical moon.

It was a game. We understood the rules – there were none. Just imagine. Put dream-dust on your wings of thought. Laugh a little, sing some cards, hold hands and kick at the imaginary snow. When you’re young it’s fun to be a little crazy.

We haven’t done this in a long time? Why? Why did it become no fun anymore” Did all the realities of our yesterdays beat us down one time too many? Is that why such fantasies become just too much work? Just when we needed a little of that kind of craziness we found it impossible to manage.

 

And are we capturing a little of yesterday again? Are we finding some of the magic again? God, I hope so, and that is certainly a prayer.

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TO BE CONTINUED

GO BACK AND CATCH UP

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A New Series on

PAIN AND PROBLEMS

began on this blog “Wyrick’s Writings”

and will continue until finished.

Then a new Series on PRAYER will begin..

To view an abundance of INSPIRING AND MOTIVATING stories by go to Neil’s other blog ONE A DAY, YOUR SPIRITUAL VITAMINS

Click on the following URL

http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
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