Mission Improbable by Donald James Parker

Author:Donald James Parker [Parker, Donald James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sword of the Spirit Publishing
Published: 2014-06-28T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Shane sat at the lunch table with several other male residents. The topic of conversation drifted to the recently departed comrades.

"Tommy should have stuck it out. I really liked that kid," Norm said.

"What about Jake?" Shane asked.

"I shouldn't really say this, but not so much. Jake never bought into what we're doing here. He was just faking it. Reminds me of my high school football days. I had a friend who always faked the workouts when the coach wasn't looking at him. As a result, he never got into shape, was always sucking wind, and ended up on the bench, even though he had the talent to play. He just wasted it all because of his attitude. And he hurt the team as a result."

"Well, I'm sure glad I decided to stay," Fred said. "It would have been so easy to fall back into my old life pattern. I just was not ready to face the temptations of the world."

Norm smiled. "We're glad you did, too."

Fred nodded. "It's hard to live a disciplined life. My flesh goes kicking and screaming, but it feels good to know that I'm making progress in getting control over myself. When I finish that job, I don't have to worry about others directing me into the wrong path."

Norm grabbed his Bible from under the table and flipped it open. "Proverbs 25:28: He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls."

"Amen," Fred said.

Shane eyeballed the two. I have control over my spirit. And that's why I'm going to fake it and why I'm going to get away with it. I ain't no cookie cutter man.

Matthew walked into the room. Conversations halted in mid stream because it was not his habit to drop in when they were eating. In fact, it wasn't his habit to be at the mission much at all.

"Quiet for a moment, please," Matthew almost shouted.

That caused all talking to cease as all eyes went to where Matthew stood.

"I have some sad news. Jake's parents called. Jake had returned home safely, but last night he overdosed and died. I just thought you should know since some of you were probably his friends."

Matthew turned and walked out of the room leaving a group of stunned residents.

Shane didn't know the guy well and felt no emotional reaction. However, his brain couldn't avoid dwelling on the fact that if Jake had not bolted, he'd be eating lunch with them right now. He'd exercised his freedom to make a decision, and now he had suffered the consequences of that decision. Shane sighed. Does it really matter what we do and what happens to us?

He looked over at the women's table next to them and caught Susan's concerned look. He realized that he cared about Susan. If she had been the one to leave and the news of her death had just been conveyed to the group, he would have been personally impacted. I guess it does matter when you have some love in your heart.

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