I had no idea “what notable things happened today?” was the prompt. I asked someone ‘did you change the world today?’ What would I say if someone asked me that question?
“Did I change the world today?” First, I would laugh and say “no”! I am not a high powered mover or shaker. But the more I think about this question; the more it dawns on me, big things change the world – yes. Electric cars, sustainable energy, wars, drugs, change can be bad as well.
What about the little things? Smiling at a stranger that’s having a really bad day. Saying hello. Doing your job to the best of your ability. According to an article by Lendingtree, 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Not doing my job correctly has the potential to throw someone’s life into a tail spin. I didn’t put this person in the position they are in. Can you imagine if something you are banking on didn’t happen when it was supposed to? It’s not a good feeling.
There is an episode of the original Star Trek where the Enterprise brings a fighter pilot on board. Spock says that “this man does nothing extraordinary with his life.” Imagine the deflated feeling. But upon farther study, this man has a son and his grandson does amazing things.
To make a long story short; we all have the power to change the world. We may never know it. Can’t gloat about it. Or will never have a bank account to prove it.
Kol was standing in the court yard when Kessa came into view. He held out his hand for her. She took it as he kissed her. “Are you busy?”
She blushed, “I’m never too busy for you.”
He started walking, “how’s your hip?”
She sighed, “stiff.”
He kissed her hand as he continued to lead her to the temple. At the large temple doors he paused, “If God is with me, who is against me.” (Romans 8:31) With a deep breath, he opened one of the doors. One of the children lighting candles saw him and ran from the sanctuary. It wasn’t long before the child returned with Priest Solomon in tow.
“Shew, shew,” Priest Solomon scooted the child out of the huge room. He lowered his head, “had I known you were coming.”
Kol cut him off. “Please sit.”
Mystified, Priest Solomon sat as Kol and Kessa sat behind him. Kol looked at Kessa, took her hand in his before turning to the priest. “You said something to me the other day, I want clarification.”
“I will do my best, sire.”
“When you scolded me for not getting married in the temple,” It was Kol’s turn to be cut off.
“Sire, scold is such a strong word.” Priest Solomon blushed. Kol held his finger to his lips, watching the priest. This made him very uncomfortable. “Is it not?” He looked back and forth between the king and queen.
“You suggested I not forget who raised me, clarify.”
Priest Solomon lowered his glance to the floor, “I cannot.”
“Whom are you afraid of?”
“I took an oath.”
Priest Solomon jumped in his seat as Kol moved to have him. Kessa was shocked too. This was not the reaction she was expecting. Kol was nose to nose with the priest. “Be afraid of me.”
I have listened to 5 of his audio books so far: He Chose the Nails, Max on Life, God Came Near, Traveling Light, and The Max Lucado Christmas Collection.
His work is well written. Simple and easy to follow. He incorporates stories (including those from his own life) to help the reader relate to what’s being told in the Bible. Sometimes he reminds me a lot of the radio personality Paul Harvey.
I have a really hard time listening to or reading just anyone when it comes to Bible studies. I want knowledge not opinion. Sadly, opinion is given a lot because there’s some information that’s just not given. Why? Only God knows. I want to be careful with the opinions I do choose to listen to. For example, I don’t believe Jesus had a fling with Mary Magdalene. There are people who do.
Whether you are a seasoned Christian or just learning, I would recommend Max Lucado to anyone.
I had heard of him for a long time but just never got involved with his work. One day, I watched an interview with him and he quoted C.S. Lewis. I have great respect for Lewis and his journey to Christianity. This led me to learn more about Lewis and Lucado.
“What’s wrong?” She gasped; the dear woman was out of breath. “Mr. Holmes!” She shrieked when noticing his frame upon the floor. His teeth had begun to chatter.
“Help me move him to the fire.” With great difficulty, we moved his shivering body to the fireplace. “Boil some water Mrs. Hudson, fill a container with a lid, and wrap it in a towel as fast as you can.”
“Yes doctor.”
I had never witnessed my friend react this way to anything. He had an iron clad constitution for the most part. I have seen mental fatigue in him but this. This was a different animal. I rushed into his room removing the covers from his bed and used them to wrap him.
Mrs. Hudson soon returned with a glass jar so heavy she could barely carry the thing.
I placed the jar under the covers carefully as not to burn him. Though as hard as he was convulsing it was possible he would get burnt anyway.
It was nigh, dark before Holmes woke. His voice weak, “Watson?”
“I am here old man.”
“The package? What else is there?”
“Are you sure you want me to open it now?”
He moaned instead of answered. There came a knock at the door. I quickly turned down all the lights except the one at the table. When I opened the door, I was shocked to find Inspector Hopkins. “Inspector?”
“Doctor,” he spoke removing his hat. “I was hoping to find Mr. Holmes at home.”
“He has been detained.” Was the best answer I could provide. Not too far from the truth. “Will you have a seat?” I showed him to the table; his back to the fireplace and Holmes.
“Something on your mind, Inspector?”
“Yes,” he took a deep breath, “a great deal of confusion, to be frank doctor. I sent a gentleman over here today to see Mr. Holmes.”
I interjected, “about a missing person?”
“Yes,” Hopkins looked relieved, and then his expression turned. “He stated Mr. Holmes threw him out rather offensively.”
I figured at this point the truth was far better than a lie. “Not physically.”
“Doctor, I simply cease to understand why? The gentleman’s case is old but is one that the police force will be unable to assist.”
“Inspector, Mr. Holmes is ill.”
“Ill?”
“Quiet so.” I watched the Inspector for a moment as he thought about what I had stated.
He rose from the table. “Please ask him to send me a telegraph when his health improves.”
“Indeed.” I walked with him to the door.
Inspector Hopkins put on his hat and left.
I collected the entire parcel from the table, turned up the gas, and sat in the floor near Holmes. The old wound I had received when I was in the Army reminded me that it was still around.
“Thank you.” Holmes’ voice was a whisper.
“For what?”
“Sending him away.”
“My pleasure.” I smiled. “Now, to this box.” I picked it up and examined it. “Second box is much like the first. Wrapped in thick brown paper and glued.” I took great care in opening it; making sure not to tear the paper unnecessarily. “There is a large envelope and another parcel.” I looked at my friend for a moment. He appeared to be asleep but I knew better. “There are no markings on the envelope. It too has been glued.” I retrieved a letter opener from the desk taking the upmost care in opening it. “Holmes,” I gasped. “It is a small fortune.”
“How much?”
I shook the contents onto the floor and counted L25,525.
“That is a healthy sum.”
I folded the notes placing them back into the envelope. About that time, Mrs. Hudson appeared with a new container of hot water.
Kol went to the temple a little early. Priest Solomon was overjoyed to see him. He talked so much that Kol’s eyes glazed over. The words being spoken bounced out of his ears and into thin air. The priest stopped in front of Kol, pulling his attention back to the conversation. “I must say my king,” the priest bowed his head. “That I’m hurt I didn’t get to preform your wedding. The royal family needs to stand with the church to present a united front. Don’t forget who raised you.”
Kol just stared at him for a long time. He couldn’t say, ‘I was in a hurry to take her to bed.’ Which did happen. Finally he was able to string together, “God was ready.” This seemed to pacify the priest. He just nodded and moved out of the way.
Kol took his seat in the second row. Priest Solomon wanted him to sit in the front row. But Kol thought it best to leave it open for guests and church staff.
He watched the young boys in their white robes fill the acoustic pots that lined the walls behind the choir. Frego sat down beside him, “did you have to fill those things?”
Kol smiled. “Oh yes. And whoa beyond to you if you overfilled or underfilled one. Priest Paul would take it out in sweat in the garden.”
“It was Sister Grace when it was my turn. We had to take twine every six months and remark the pots. She would stand over you with a stick and smack your hands if she thought you were distracted.” Rajaf sat down behind them.
“What about you Rajaf, did you have to fill the pots?” Frego asked.
He smiled, “indeed. I think all young men had their turn, my prince.”
When the boys had finished, the choir started filing into their place. Kol was starting to worry that Kessa wasn’t going to show. He brought his hands to his face as if in prayer. Then, with his right hand still up, he began to signal with his left.
“What did you say to her?” Frego asked.
“I asked her to join us. I think.” He half smiled. “This is difficult for me to grasp. It runs from me. I may have told her there was an ant in my ear for all I know.”
Kol looked at his son, who was trying not to laugh. Frego nodded toward their left. “I think you got your message across.”
Kessa had stepped through a door followed closely by the priest. They exchanged a few words. Frego felt his dad grab ahold of his arm. As if he was going to fall. Kessa was dressed in purple. A color as close as possible to those little flowers Kol had planted everywhere in the garden. She was beautiful. The fabric of her dress flowed with each step she took. Nothing else in the building mattered in that moment except her walking toward him. When she was next to him, he let go of Frego’s arm and stood; allowing her to sit down before he sat back down. “You look amazing.”
“Thank you, my husband.” She leaned forward.
“Hello prince.”
“Lady Kessa,” he smiled.
She turned around. “Hi dad. Come sit by me.”
“Baby girl.” He moved to join them.”
Kol slid his arm through hers so that he could hold her hand. “Did you see my message?”
She smiled, “I did. Great job. I thought you told me you are having a difficult time learning?”
“I did. And I am.”
“I disagree. Sorry I was later than I should have been. Priest Solomon got me twice.”
“Let me guess, he scolded you for not marrying us.” Kol lowered the tone of his voice, “the church and the royal family need to have a united front for the public.”
She grinned, “you got it.”
After the service, they walked back to the palace. Different citizens greeted them from a distance. Nods, smiles, waves. Kol released a sigh of relieve when they were inside the palace. “Are we alone?”
They stood in silence for a moment. Kessa finally answered, “yes.”
He took her in his arms and kissed her. “I’ve been waiting all day to get you alone.”
“We were alone this morning.” She smiled.
“You wasn’t wearing this dress this morning.” She closed her eyes enjoying the feeling of his hands dancing all over her body. “You haven’t worn a single thing yet that I haven’t wanted the pleasure of taking off you.”
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