* The Father I Never Knew *

This series is a journey of discovering the Father of all fathers

Meeting Father - Part 1

Has an abrupt, life-changing event ever blindsided you? Something so unforeseen it shook you to the core. Its wake left you ill-equipped to fathom the entire short-term or long-term impact. Yet, you sensed future daily living would never again resemble the days of old. Stunned, you watched the familiar fade with the setting sun. Such is the following story.

Startled from a sound sleep, my eyes instantly open wide. A surge of adrenalin heightens my body to full alert. Was that a dream or a recollection? Images flash like speeding bullets, while I struggle to comprehend the groggy details. My heartbeat quickens and confusion jumbles my thoughts. An avalanche of apprehension leaves me gasping for air. With sweaty palms, I pull the blanket and sheet over my head.

Ok, draw a deep breath and focus. What do I recall? A person on TV was speaking, but their remarks and face were indistinguishable. Was it a man or women? Were they announcing some kind of disaster? I remember kneeling and sobbing, my body heaving. The details are so random and murky. Concentrate. Wait a minute, I don’t cry. It must have been a nightmare. That’s a relief!

My breathing calms to a normal rhythm, lulling me into a heavy slumber. Moments later, the alarm clock signals the start to an unexpected day. While the coffee is brewing, I power on the television. Yikes! This channel is one of those crazy religious networks. How did it get on that station? I must have hit the wrong button on the remote control.

Stomach rumblings divert my attention toward breakfast. I turn to throw a banana peel away in the trash can. Why is there a pile of used facial tissue in the garbage? Reality sinks in. I was on my knees last evening, weeping, and mumbling phrases the televangelist called a prayer.

This makes no sense. Weddings and funerals are the only times my shoes christen a church. There’s no Bible in this home, and beer outnumbers food in the fridge. Pornography is no stranger, and cuss words are part of my typical speech. Religion and spiritual matters aren’t my thing.

While pouring my third mug of java, I realize the TV is still on the gospel program. The preacher’s message instills a puzzling level of comfort and peace. He speaks of accepting God’s grace, as if it’s as easy as signing for a Fedex package. A phrase comes to mind. If it sounds too good to be true, beware. What’s the hook, preacher man? Show me the fine print! Great, now I’m talking to the television.

What a morning. I’m adrift in unfamiliar waters without a compass, and the shore is nowhere in sight. I’ll sort this out later. Off to earn a paycheck.

Meeting Father (part 2 of 3)