Romans Road Detour

by Todie West

  “Thanks for calling.”

  “Thanks for being my friend,” Jason.”

  “You too.” Jason was puzzled by Michael’s demeanor and couldn’t wait to see him in person, to make sure he was really okay.

  “See you later.”

  “Later.”

  After hanging up the phone, Michael thought to himself, I’m just glad they didn’t see me sobbing like a little girl, especially Jason. He realized how silly it would seem to Jason, who had fought in a war on the other side of the world, away from his family and friends, not knowing if he would make it out alive. How could Michael possibly compare the setbacks in his life to that?

  Michael hesitated calling Trish, but felt he owed her an explanation. He also wanted to know how his kids were doing, not that there was anything he could do about it, but just for his own peace of mind.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi Trish, it’s Michael.”

  “Michael! Are you okay? I’ve tried calling you like a hundred times. I even came over and knocked on your door. What’s going on?”

  “I’m okay. Just kind of lost it after the decision came down.”

  “Yeah, I heard about that. We all heard about it. The parents, the kids, everyone.”

  “So I’m the talk of the school, huh?”

  “You sure are, but it’s all good. Ruby has been downright nasty lately, and I think she’s going down.”

  “That’s what Pastor Dan said. Interesting.”

  “Pastor Dan?”

  “Oh, he’s my mother’s pastor. I’ve been talking with him.”

  “That’s good. You’ve been through a lot, Michael, you really have. And you have a lot of friends, people who believe in you. Don’t ever give up teaching. That’s all I can say.”

  “I really don’t know what I’m going to do.”

  “Is there a way you can appeal the decision?”

  “You know, I’ve been thinking about that. I really don’t know if I want to go that route.”

  “Really? I think you would win.”

  “I’m not sure I want to go back there. The only thing I miss is my kids. How are they doing?”

  “I hate to say it, but they are a totally different class. Marco and Nicholas were both suspended.”

  “I’m not surprised with Marco, but Nicholas? I had such high hopes for him.”

  “There’ve been lots of fights, chaos.”

  “Who’s teaching?”

  “Those poor kids have been through three subs since you left. No one seems to be able to get a handle on it.”

  “They are definitely a tough class.”

  “That’s why you need to fight. You have a real gift, Michael. You can’t just give it up.”

  “I’m really not sure what I’m going to do. I might go back to school, get my Master’s.”

  “That would be good, too. You’ll do great, whatever you decide.”

  Michael wasn’t sure if Trish really meant it, or if she was just trying to flatter him. It was hard to tell over the phone. Not wanting to lead her on, again, he tried to cut the conversation short before it went any further. “I really should be going. I have a lot of stuff to do.”

  “Okay.” She paused in hopes that Michael would say something about getting together again, which he did not.

  After a long, awkward silence, Michael answered, “See you later,” The exchange was cumbersome and uncomfortable for both of them.

  “Bye, now.”

  Chapter 17

  I have examined all religions, and the result is that the Bible is the best book in the world. (John Adams)

  Although Michael’s situation hadn’t changed and he was still an unemployed orphan who had just watched his cat die, he had a peace in his soul that he had never known before. He couldn’t explain it, but he hoped it wouldn’t be short lived. His energy level soared as he ripped the sheets off his bed and started the first of several loads of laundry. He lingered long in a hot shower, feeling cleansed from the inside out, refreshed and rejuvenated. For the first time in weeks he changed his clothes and actually dressed in something besides sweats.

  He was energized, almost into overdrive, scrubbing and cleaning, emptying trash and tidying up the entire house, all the while humming to himself a song his mother taught him as a young child, This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine… When he came upon the litter box, he sat down, took a deep breath and said a quick prayer “God, get me through this.” He hoped Tabby had found his way to where his mother was.

  Jason and Brad showed up at the exact same time.

  “Come on in, you guys. It’s so good to see you.” Michael’s exuberance was puzzling as he hugged them both. Had he been drinking? He had never smoked pot to their knowledge. They both wondered how long the excitement would last.

  “You look great, Michael! And look what you’ve done to the place! You’ve been busy,” Brad remarked.

  “Yeah, where’s Tabby? He usually …”

  Michael interrupted. “Had him put down earlier.”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry, Michael. That must have been hard,” Jason responded.

  “It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure.” Michael thought to himself, “If they only knew he had a complete mental breakdown over it.”

  “Come on in and sit down. How about a beer.”

  “Sure, if you’re having one.” Jason answered.

  “I’ll pass,” Michael answered.

  “You okay?” asked Brad.

  “I’m great. And in case you’re wondering, no, I haven’t given it up. I just haven’t wanted it lately, that’s all.”

  “You sound different. What’s going on?” asked Brad.

  “Yeah,” echoed Jason.

  “Well, let me tell you what happened. I am a little embarrassed, but losing my job, just weeks after losing my mom…”

  “You don’t have to explain. We totally understand,” Jason interrupted.

  “Let me finish. Then Tabby. That was kind of the straw that broke the camel’s back. I was convinced my life was over, I mean that was it. I hit the bottom, Guys. It was such an awful place, I don’t ever want to go there again, and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”

  “So what happened? Now you’re fine?”

  “Well, I was so embarrassed, I don’t know what happened, but I called Pastor Dan and we had a long talk.”

  “So you found God?”

  “Well, I don’t think God was the one who needed to be found. He’s been there all along. I was just trying to ignore him. Anyway, I am back on the right track and I have a few ideas about what I might do next.”

  “What’s that?” Brad was afraid to ask, thinking he might be going on a mission trip to Calcutta or something.

  “I’m thinking about going back to school and get my Master’s.”

  “That’s a great idea,” Jason responded.

  “But then again, I might just decide to quit teaching altogether.”

  “But Michael, you have such a gift,” Jason noted.

  “Yeah, and all that schooling,” added Brad.

  “I know, I know. Truth is, I DON’T know. I’m just weighing my options right now. I may have to find some other kind of work until I do decide what’s next.”

  “Like what?”

  “I did it all when I was going to school, cashiering, bussing. I’m not worried. Something will come along.”

  This did not sound like the same Michael who had been so passionate about his work. They both wondered whether this Christianity stuff would stick, or if he would fall back into his old ways. Worse yet, would he put a damper on their fun? Christians can be so stuffy sometimes. No beer? That’s what Michael always needed to loosen up with the ladies. But Michael hadn’t mentioned ladies once. Hopefully he wasn’t giving them up, too.

  Brad couldn’t wait to find out about that, so he asked, “Have you talked to your teacher lady friend?”

  �
�Yes, as a matter of fact, I just got off the phone with her earlier this afternoon.”

  “Oh.” Brad and Jason were both shocked.

  “You’re not becoming a Mormon, are you?”

  “Heavens, no.”

  “Are you going to see her again?” asked Brad.

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Really? Why not?” asked Jason.

  I don’t know. I just don’t feel the vibe, if you know what I mean.”

  “Yeah. Well you got to feel that vibe,” Brad responded.

  “I’ve told you before, Brad, and I think you know it, but you have a good thing, a really good thing.”

  “We should both be so lucky, huh, Michael?” Jason added.

  “Be patient, you two,” Brad responded.

  “Oh, believe me. I’m going to be patient. I did the shotgun wedding route and that didn’t work. Next time it’s going to be for keeps.”

  “You’re so right. And since I have no idea where I’ll be living after I get out of the police academy, I’m going to stay focused on that for now.”

  “Hey, either of you want to go pheasant hunting next weekend?”

  “Sure, I’m free. How about you, Brad?”

  “I’ll see what I can do. I really need to be going, so I’ll talk to you later,” Brad checked his cell phone.

  There were no jokes about the ball and chain or the old lady this time.

  “Yeah, I better get going, too.” Jason followed Brad outside.

  * * *

  Michael was up at the first sign of dawn every morning and found himself deep in the book of John. Some familiar scriptures that he had memorized as a child leapt off the page, but for the first time they had tangible meaning for him and he was ready to apply them to his life. He began to realize that God wasn’t the bad guy he always thought He was, toying with his life and taking everything he loved from him. Now he was in love with Jesus, knowing for the first time that Jesus was God, and if He would die such a grueling death so that sinful men could live forever in Heaven, that made Michael’s reasons for his quarrel with God seem insignificant. Although his future plans were in limbo, he didn’t care. He knew He would receive clear direction from God, some kind of confirmation as to whether or not he should go back to school, look for a job, or even possibly appeal the Board’s decision and take on a battle to reclaim his sixth grade classroom at Drake Valley Elementary.

  When Michael wasn’t reading, he was going through his mother’s things, something he had dreaded for weeks. What to keep and what to give away. Sixty-eight years of a life and all that was left was what could be found in this little, two-bedroom house. A sliver of guilt came over Michael, after he had already taken down all of her pictures. He decided he would put up the picture of Jesus walking on the water, as a reminder that anything is possible with God. One of her embroidered scriptures he put in the bathroom, so he could see it every morning, a reminder of the greatness of God. The Lord’s Prayer was placed back on the wall in the bedroom, and he returned the tapestry of the Last Supper to the dining room.

  Michael’s mother always gave to the Salvation Army because, as she said, they not only give to the needy, they share the gospel of Christ with them. Michael realized she was right, that the gift of Christ was the most important of all. It gave people hope, and Michael now had been dealt a large dose of hope. So he gathered up her clothes and other personal items and delivered them to the Salvation Army in downtown Drake Valley.

  Then Michael came across his mother’s photos. The last time he had seen some of them they were in boxes. His mother had meticulously scrapped them all into albums, in chronological order beginning with when she herself was a just a baby. There was only one picture of her parents and grandparents taken before she was born. Michael spent hours going through them, and by the time he reached his own college graduation pictures, it was nearly midnight.

  * * *

  “Come on in Michael.” Pastor Dan and Michael met for the first time since his conversion. The rev didn’t mention anything about Michael not going to church on Sunday. He was not one to push, as he was only trying to guide Michael into a relationship with Christ. Church membership was of least importance at this point and he did not want to do anything that would hinder the progress by pushing him into doing something he wasn’t ready to do.

  “I’ve been reading the book of John.”

  “What do you think?”

  “All I can say is wow!”

  “Yeah, it often has that impact. Let’s pray first before we get started.”

  “Oh, yeah, sure, go ahead. I’m sorry.”

  Pastor Dan said a short prayer. Then he asked Michael, “What else did you find that intrigued you when reading John?”

  “I was looking in my mom’s Bible that has a short commentary on every page, and where it says in the first verse that the Word was with God and the Word was God, that was kind of confusing at first, but now I think I understand it.”

  “What do you think it means?”

  “That Jesus is the Word, like when it says living word. And in her commentary it took me back to Genesis, you know, the book I didn’t want to read, but it got me reading some of that, too, where Jesus was there all along. It’s just amazing how many references there are to God and Jesus being the same person.”

  “You really have been studying. Good for you!”

  “And I never knew this was John the Apostle who wrote the book. I always thought it was John the Baptist.”

  “That’s a common misconception. Once people realize it, it makes more sense.”

  “I think I see why you asked me to start in John.”

  “Of the four gospels, it is the most spiritual. Perhaps because John was so close to Jesus.”

  “I was reading a little in the other Gospels, too, kind of comparing them.”

  “Is there anything you picked up on that you can apply to your own life?”

  “Where do I start?”

  “I know what you mean. But is there one thing in particular, for where you are right now?”

  “Maybe forgiveness. I was reading the Lord’s prayer, which I actually had memorized, and it was pretty much still in my memory bank, but I had never really considered what it meant.”

  “You mean on the subject of forgiveness?”

  “Yeah. We really don’t have a choice, do we.”

  “Do you know what it means to really forgive?”

  “I never did before, but I think I’m beginning to understand.”

  “It’s not an easy thing to do, but you’re right, we really have no choice, if we want God to forgive us. Do you have someone in particular you need to forgive?”

  “God, for one.”

  “That’s a good place to start. How about forgiving yourself.”

  “I never thought about that, but yeah, you’re right.”

  “Anyone else?”

  “Ruby and the three Board members, for sure.”

  “Do you think you can?”

  “I do. I don’t know the best way to go about it. If I really forgive them, is it a good idea that I tell them myself or can I just tell God and be done with it?”

  “I think you know the answer to that.”

  “Yeah, I think I do.”

  “Whenever it’s possible, it’s always best to extend the olive branch, so to speak. It doesn’t always mean they’ll accept it or that it will change anything, but you will have done the right thing and you can move on.”

  “That’s what I want to do, move on.”

  “So what do you need to do?”

  “Write them? At least write the Board members, but I really think I need to bite the bullet and go see Ruby in person.”

  “I think that’s a great idea, Michael. I am so proud of you. You have come so far. Have you thought any more about what you’re going to do next in your job situation?”

  “I’m thinking about going back to school t
o get my Master’s.”

  “Really?

  “I always wanted to go back but couldn’t afford it. I’m probably in a better position to afford it now, if it’s what I’m supposed to do. God will let me know, right?”

  “He absolutely will. Let’s pray for guidance on that and, in due time, you’ll know what to do.”

  “I have until March to apply, but the program wouldn’t start until next fall, so I have some time. But I do have to make a living until then.”

  “So you’re not still considering appealing the decision?”

  “Probably not.”

  “Well, I’ve got you on the prayer chain. You’ll know what to do.”

  “I am sure of it.”

  “Now let’s pray.” Pastor Dan asked the Lord for guidance for Michael in the next chapter of his life. He also prayed for the right words to say when Michael went to see Ruby. “Be sure and let me know how it goes.”

  “I will. I’ll try and get over to see her before the Thanksgiving break.”

  “Say, if you’re not doing anything for Thanksgiving, we have a group that’s serving dinner at the Salvation Army.”

  Michael did not hesitate. “I’ll do it.” It was not out of obligation, or to prove anything. He just felt his mother’s voice telling him what a lucky boy he was, and that he should share his good fortune with those who have nothing. The woman who was his Bible for so many years was now gone and he was seeing everything she lived written on the page. It was now up to him to live it.

  * * *

  Michael’s next order of business came in a letter to the Drake Valley School District. He sat down at the kitchen table and prepared several drafts. After forming a small pile of crumpled up paper, he closed his eyes and said a little prayer. At that point, the words flowed from his heart, to his hand and onto the page. He began by apologizing for his actions, despite any justification he might have had. Then he thanked them for their consideration and told them he respected their decision.

  One down, and one to go, Michael thought.

  The following day, after the children had all gone home, Michael found himself standing in front of Ruby’s secretary. There was nothing sheepish about this encounter, instead a sense of confidence and calmness.