L is for LOVE WILL FIND A WAY

The Rogue Speaks:

Matthew 19:21-22



Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldst be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions.


WHAT!! You think HEATHENS can't know about the Bible?  Well, this heathen does, and it's the "Red Letter Edition" as well.  For those of you who don't know what that means, in that edition the words of Jesus are printed in red  (That's nice to know, especially if you are curious about how many times Paul actually quotes Jesus in his writings).  To hear a wealthy person say that he "doesn't care about the poor.  The poor have a safety net."  is shocking to me, especially when that wealthy man claims to be a Christian.  I think that's what greed does to people.   Enough of that, though--let's get on with my Alphabe-Thursday lesson for Miss Jenny.

THE JUMPER,  conclusion - "Love Will Find A Way"
Aaron's words had the desired effect, and he and Miriam held their breath as their father, his shoulders drooping, swung his legs back over the balcony, and stood up.  Two officers quickly took his arms to prevent him from changing his mind, and guided him back into the living room of his condo.  Aaron and Miriam embraced him, and walked with him to the sofa.


After all the officers had left, and they were alone, he began to speak. "I have done some horrible things in the last few years.  I have hurt a lot of innocent people, and I am so ashamed and filled with regret.  I just don't know how to make things right again.  The two of you, and your mother have been my whole life, and I wanted to give only the very best to you.  I wanted us to never have to worry about anything.  I thought money was the way to do it.  Now, I don't know how I can undo the wrongs I have done."

"Dad, what are you talking about?  What did you do that was so horrible?" Miriam asked. "We have had a wonderful life because we knew that you loved us!  The material things never mattered!  We were a family!  You and mom were the best parents because you both were caring and supportive!  That's all we ever needed."


"I made a lot of money--a LOT of money!" he said. "But people lost their homes because of me.  I sold them mortgages that they couldn't afford, and when they couldn't pay, I took their homes!  Not only that, but I bet against them.  Their loss was my gain--more money for me!"


"Derivatives!"  Aaron said.  " I knew it! I thought that's what you were telling me when Mom got sick.  I thought you would be worried about the ourtageous cost of her treatment, but you told me that it was covered by certain funds you were involved in.  I was right, wasn't I,  Dad? "


"Yes, son, derivatives--the derivative market.  Those poor people!  They lost while I got richer every day. I am so ashamed!  I hate myself for what I have done.  How can I ever make this right??  I know you must hate me now, too."


"Dad, we could never hate you!  You are our father, and we will always love you!" Miriam cried.  "Aaron, I don't understand this derivatives thing,  but isn't there something we can do about this?"


"Yes, " Aaron replied. "We can give it back."


"Aaron, do you know what that means?  You and your sister will have no inheritance!"


"We are fine, Dad.  We are both fine.  We don't need it.  Miriam has a wonderful  career as a design engineer, and my career in medical research not only pays well, it is the most satisfying thing I have ever done in my life.  What we do need is you. It's time you retired, anyway.   We need you to be part of our lives and our children's lives.  We will take care of you the way you and Mom took care of us--with love and devotion."


"Dad, Aaron is right!  Let us take care of you.  This place is too big for you anyway!  Sell it!  Come live with me and Phillip and the boys!  The guest house is just perfect for you!  And you can work in the garden!  You always loved that when we were small.  All those beautiful flowers that we helped you plant!  And the vegetables that we grew from seeds!  I was always in awe that those little seeds sprouted and grew. I want my children to know you the way I did, and I want you to be a part of their lives.  Please, Dad!"


"I'll go with you to the office on Monday," Aaron said.  "We'll go through your files, and find those people.  I'll get Mark Woodward to handle the transactions.  You remember Mark!  He was my best friend when I was young, and he still is.  What do you say, Dad?  Does that sound like a plan?"

"I don't know, Aaron.  I don't want to be a burden to you and Miriam."

"A burden??  Dad, you could never be a burden!  You and Mom loved us and helped us to grow into responsible  adults with families of our own.  You cared for us!  Now it is our turn to show you just how much we love you and appreciate you for the wonderful father you have been.!  Let us care of you!!  We can make this thing right, Dad, and give those people back their lives," Aaron said warmly, taking his father's hand. 

"Come home with me tonight, Dad.  I don't want you staying here by yourself," said Miriam, and she went to fetch a few clothes.

After locking the door to the condo, he paused, remembering his sweet and gentle wife, and the life they had shared together.  He thought of all the hurt he had caused with his greed, and then he looked at his two loving children, and realized that he must have done something right after all.
He cried.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my little story.  Now please go here for my continuation of last week's "Kids" post, Loveable Kids!