When you come to a Dead End

"I will guide you along the best pathway for your life,

I will advise you and watch over you."   ~ Psalm 32:8

The service that morning was entitled, "What do you do When you come to a Dead End?"  It was a timely message.  God was speaking to Moses saying, "Speak to the children of Israel ..."   With the mountains in front of them and their backs to the Red Sea, it appeared (at least to Pharaoh) the children of Israel had come to a dead end.  Pharaoh must have thought it would be easy to bring his wayward slaves back into captivity.   But God had other plans.

As she listened she learned there were different types of dead ends.  But why?  Why do we come to dead ends?  And how do we behave when we do?

As morning grew into afternoon she knew the dead end had come.  She knew where the path would lead, had to lead, if she were to find peace.  Walking into the break room she saw him; cleaning out his locker for the last time.   Deep lines etched by time and experience.  His shoulders slumped; revealing a tired body.   She remembered a saying she had read and thought it applied.  "It's because I've been down many roads in my life.  And not all of them were paved."  She knew that to be true.   She came up behind him and spoke, "hey, did you think I'd let you get away without sayin' good-bye?"    He smiled and hugged her close; glad to see her.  But it was clear he couldn't talk long.  He was retiring and moving on.  And there were those who were waiting on him.   She asked him to sit for a minute.  Cupping his face in her hands she kissed his cheek.  "I'll walk to the front with you, how about that?"  He nods as he continues to fill his sack with the contents of a lifetime of work.

His friends and co-workers are waiting to say farewell.  Like many in his generation, he gave an honest days work for an honest days wage.  He came to work on time, every time.   With hugs and handshakes, the crowd gathers round.   He looks happy -- touched by their sincerity, almost overwhelmed; lost in their appreciation.    Her throat tightens and tears well.   She steps back to watch for a moment.  She had said what she needed to.  And so did he.   There would be no regrets.   As she walked away her heart blew him a kiss.  Good bye Dad.  I love you.

Don't panic, don't fear.   Don't give up.  Believe God!  Obey God.  Praise God Anyhow!

"None of these things shall move me.  I don't count my life dear unto myself.  I know how to be down and I know how to be up.  I know how to have and I know how not to have.  I know how to be full and I know how to be hungry."  Phillipians 4:12

Today, I was able to obey - to reach out again - this time the fear of rejection would not hold me back.  Both released in love and forgiveness to go our separate ways.   Thankful he was part of my life.