PSALM 119 - 126
It is time for thee Lord to work
for they have made void thy law.
Ben and Gloria sat in the shade of an ancient oak tree observing the approaching figures slowly moving towards their favourite seat.
"Do you know what" asked Ben "I am so looking forward to a break. Its been a long haul with Freda.
Steering her around the man traps when she was a youngster. She stood out in a crowd and nearly always attracted the wrong type with her naive sunny personality. When I recall the train wrecks in her life and just look at her now. So calm, so peaceful and so loved by our Master.
Gloria smiled "who would have thought that so very late in life Ted would have been blessed with such a deep friendship, see how gently he guides her up the sloping grass to the bench.
Freda paused "before I park myself its time to feed my feathered family. If I sit down I seriously doubt I will want to get up again" she suggested laughing as she teetered towards the lakeside. "Okay ducks" Ted replied. He called all the ladies in the nursing home ducks and many a time had to dodge a carefully aimed ball of knitting wool. But on their outings together he simply referred to Freda as pet, no doubt strongly influenced by his Jordie dialect.
The bench was their pew every morning. They thanked the Lord for their friendship and His provision and agreed
Ecclesiastes 4 - 9 - 10
Two are better than one
because they have a good reward for their labour
for if they fall one will lift up his companion.
although they had decided two lying down together was one step too far at their age, both believed that marriage was strictly between man and woman. God's purpose procreation. Their friendship had certainly bridged the gap the loss of their respective loved ones had left and at their age all they could manage was the odd hug now and again, a supporting arm, and sometimes a goodnight kiss on the cheek followed by "God willing, see you in the morning"
They watched the daily parade of humanity, warts and all and often shared their opinions on current events and the latest news in the relative freshness and peace of the early morning.
"Don't fall in pet" he cautioned as she moved towards the water's edge. A mother duck with her small flotilla paddled unafraid towards the bank for "breakfast a la Freda". Ted sat watching her. The increased quacking had attracted the attention of the main flock and they gathered around her on the bank. He remembered her conversation with the son of the local baker. "Sam could you spare any left over bread for my feathered friends" she pleaded. Sam smiled "well we do supply the homeless shelter Freda and their mobile units, but hey, we can't have you getting into debt for ducks can we? I'll put something aside for you." "God bless you Sam" she replied "you're a good lad" And there and then she prayed "Lord bless him, guide and protect him from the darkness that is surely coming.
Returning to the bench she observed Ted picking up discarded cans and polystyrene trays. "I think someone slept here last night" he commented. "What's new" replied Freda "it will increase as they snatch back homes from their hapless victims. Having sold them the dream in the first instance, burdened them with huge commitments they now happily pull the rug from under them. The speculators move into the auction rooms and pick up the spoils. The "in it to win it" fraternity with little sympathy for anyone make their money at the expense of another's misery. The rich get richer the poor poorer and so it goes"
A small group of ducks waddled towards the bench hoping for another titbit and settled by her feet.
The couple were unaware they were being watched. They were grateful for the companionship that had blessed their twilight years, their shared a sense of humour. "Just hope to pass that final exam" exclaimed Freda "can't stand heat." "I can't believe you just said that" Ted remarked "if you don't make it I don't stand a chance, but hey lets be positive, our God is forgiving and merciful and He keeps His promises.
Ted was passionate about biblical truth, this was the beginning of sorrows and how anyone could read Matthew 24 and not be convicted by a warning given over two thousands years ago and now happening right before their eyes was something he found difficult to comprehend. His style of evangelism was blunt and he spoke with authority to his cowering captive audience of seniors at every opportunity "repent, stop messing about, time is short, its time to get right with God, if you snuff it tonight you don't want to finish up in the wrong place." A loud guffaw usually came from Colin "yes, give it em straight Ted, none of this blithering tripe they are selling from the pulpit today, that's why we are in such an unholy mess in this country"
"Oh thanks for reminding us Ted" snorted Joyce, she was a picture of denial in a brightly coloured mini skirt and knee length boots, her face caked with makeup and eye liner that appeared to have been applied by someone with equally bad eyesight, bright red lipstick leaked into the deep cracks around her pouting mouth. Her bald head gleamed through what was left of the long thin straggling dyed mess of hair. She continued "however I shall be partying till I drop" and clutching her half bottle of gin she staggered into the grounds.
"Stupid man" she muttered to herself "life is for living, when the lights go out that's it" Somewhere a voice said "oh really" "Who's there, who said that, come out where ever you are" she spluttered as she searched the surrounding hedges.
"She really got me to did our Joyce" said Ted "blind as a bat and only hearing what she wanted to hear and I sincerely hope she meets the Lord preferably before its too late.
"Actually I feel quite sorry for Joyce" said Freda wistfully "from our very first meeting she gave me a strange look and disappeared into her bedroom slamming the door behind her" Ted laughed "she probably saw the angel standing behind you" Freda continued "I've always tried to reach out to her she seems so discontent. The locals say she was the same as a child, had to have her little gang and always wanting to out do others. She never made any comments to my face, but apparently I had quite a few knives sticking out of my back. Then of course she set her sights on poor old Jeff."
"They were quite a pair weren't they" Ted commented "she having to look better and younger than anyone else and he with his magnificent obsession with football. Beckham was his God plus a few lesser ones, all very unhealthy:
They watched the daily parade of humanity, warts and all and often shared their opinions on current events and the latest news in the relative freshness and peace of the early morning.
"Don't fall in pet" he cautioned as she moved towards the water's edge. A mother duck with her small flotilla paddled unafraid towards the bank for "breakfast a la Freda". Ted sat watching her. The increased quacking had attracted the attention of the main flock and they gathered around her on the bank. He remembered her conversation with the son of the local baker. "Sam could you spare any left over bread for my feathered friends" she pleaded. Sam smiled "well we do supply the homeless shelter Freda and their mobile units, but hey, we can't have you getting into debt for ducks can we? I'll put something aside for you." "God bless you Sam" she replied "you're a good lad" And there and then she prayed "Lord bless him, guide and protect him from the darkness that is surely coming.
Returning to the bench she observed Ted picking up discarded cans and polystyrene trays. "I think someone slept here last night" he commented. "What's new" replied Freda "it will increase as they snatch back homes from their hapless victims. Having sold them the dream in the first instance, burdened them with huge commitments they now happily pull the rug from under them. The speculators move into the auction rooms and pick up the spoils. The "in it to win it" fraternity with little sympathy for anyone make their money at the expense of another's misery. The rich get richer the poor poorer and so it goes"
A small group of ducks waddled towards the bench hoping for another titbit and settled by her feet.
The couple were unaware they were being watched. They were grateful for the companionship that had blessed their twilight years, their shared a sense of humour. "Just hope to pass that final exam" exclaimed Freda "can't stand heat." "I can't believe you just said that" Ted remarked "if you don't make it I don't stand a chance, but hey lets be positive, our God is forgiving and merciful and He keeps His promises.
Ted was passionate about biblical truth, this was the beginning of sorrows and how anyone could read Matthew 24 and not be convicted by a warning given over two thousands years ago and now happening right before their eyes was something he found difficult to comprehend. His style of evangelism was blunt and he spoke with authority to his cowering captive audience of seniors at every opportunity "repent, stop messing about, time is short, its time to get right with God, if you snuff it tonight you don't want to finish up in the wrong place." A loud guffaw usually came from Colin "yes, give it em straight Ted, none of this blithering tripe they are selling from the pulpit today, that's why we are in such an unholy mess in this country"
"Oh thanks for reminding us Ted" snorted Joyce, she was a picture of denial in a brightly coloured mini skirt and knee length boots, her face caked with makeup and eye liner that appeared to have been applied by someone with equally bad eyesight, bright red lipstick leaked into the deep cracks around her pouting mouth. Her bald head gleamed through what was left of the long thin straggling dyed mess of hair. She continued "however I shall be partying till I drop" and clutching her half bottle of gin she staggered into the grounds.
"Stupid man" she muttered to herself "life is for living, when the lights go out that's it" Somewhere a voice said "oh really" "Who's there, who said that, come out where ever you are" she spluttered as she searched the surrounding hedges.
"She really got me to did our Joyce" said Ted "blind as a bat and only hearing what she wanted to hear and I sincerely hope she meets the Lord preferably before its too late.
"Actually I feel quite sorry for Joyce" said Freda wistfully "from our very first meeting she gave me a strange look and disappeared into her bedroom slamming the door behind her" Ted laughed "she probably saw the angel standing behind you" Freda continued "I've always tried to reach out to her she seems so discontent. The locals say she was the same as a child, had to have her little gang and always wanting to out do others. She never made any comments to my face, but apparently I had quite a few knives sticking out of my back. Then of course she set her sights on poor old Jeff."
"They were quite a pair weren't they" Ted commented "she having to look better and younger than anyone else and he with his magnificent obsession with football. Beckham was his God plus a few lesser ones, all very unhealthy:
Exodus 20 - 3
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.
"I don't think he realised he had a problem until I arranged that five a side footie." Freda laughed " yes I saw that. He had the ball in sight, adrenalin surged through his body and he was off like a rabbit out of a trap, he raised his leg for that imaginary goal and bang, lost his balance and hit the deck. We all stood around laughing but actually it wasn't funny when we realised how seriously hurt he really was and the ambulance arrived to take him to hospital. He said he saw stars and as Joyce so charming put it "other stuff" that in her exalted opinion was probably due to the morphine, but he came out a changed man. He occasionally watched a game and there is nothing wrong with the game. It's what it has turned into. The fighting between rival fractions and the idol worship, it reminds me of all the unholy stuff that went on in the amphitheatre in Rome.
Ted recalled his discussions with Colin a fellow Christian and inmate and their lengthy debates in the lounge long after the other residents had retired. "It's a really sad state of affairs old lad, isn't it, where will it all end." asked Colin. "Well we are back to Matthew 24 and of course the Lord does warn us in 24 (42) Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. replied Ted "and then it will be a case of shock and awe."
"Do you know someone rebuked me the other day and said I should pray for our leader" said Colin.
"Oh I do" replied Ted "I pray he will remove him and his cronies, after all throughout history there have been good kings and bad kings, good leaders and bad leaders. But until man bows the knee and turns back to his God we are going to get more of the same. God raises up the enemy to deal with a disobedient people and job done, he'll then dispose of the enemy."
"With that thought in mind I'm off to bed, if I sit here any longer I'll be stuck for the night." said Colin grimacing as he tried to stand. A little shuffle to organise his balance and he would head off down the corridor.
"Colin is such a good man" said Freda "he worries so much about his kids and grandkids and their future but all we can do is leave them in God's hands."
Suddenly the peace at the bench was interrupted by loud raucous laughter announcing the arrival of two distinctly overweight young women followed by a rather grubby three year old boy. He bent down and picked up a large stone and holding it in his tightly clenched fist he took aim at the mother duck. Freda gasped. "Wayne" screamed one of the women "get over here now you......." the foul language that followed fell like rain of a ducks back. Wayne determined to reach his prey was now intent on wading into the lake. "Oh you little................" another stream of putrid filth apparently had little effect and as she snatched his hand and dragged him out of the water he was laughing at her obvious irritation.
Ted turned to face Freda "from whence cometh this new breed of woman, butch, foul mouthed, vindictive and at times positively evil. Small wonder men run for cover."
Freda smiled "She needs her Saviour, no one is beyond the reach of our Holy God, but its in His time not ours. He will bring her down"
"Oh come on Freda" moaned Ted "it's a sign of the times, they are self focused and cunning, and what is the "name of the current game, select a victim and run with it. They accuse and men fall."
Ted recalled his discussions with Colin a fellow Christian and inmate and their lengthy debates in the lounge long after the other residents had retired. "It's a really sad state of affairs old lad, isn't it, where will it all end." asked Colin. "Well we are back to Matthew 24 and of course the Lord does warn us in 24 (42) Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. replied Ted "and then it will be a case of shock and awe."
"Do you know someone rebuked me the other day and said I should pray for our leader" said Colin.
"Oh I do" replied Ted "I pray he will remove him and his cronies, after all throughout history there have been good kings and bad kings, good leaders and bad leaders. But until man bows the knee and turns back to his God we are going to get more of the same. God raises up the enemy to deal with a disobedient people and job done, he'll then dispose of the enemy."
"With that thought in mind I'm off to bed, if I sit here any longer I'll be stuck for the night." said Colin grimacing as he tried to stand. A little shuffle to organise his balance and he would head off down the corridor.
"Colin is such a good man" said Freda "he worries so much about his kids and grandkids and their future but all we can do is leave them in God's hands."
Suddenly the peace at the bench was interrupted by loud raucous laughter announcing the arrival of two distinctly overweight young women followed by a rather grubby three year old boy. He bent down and picked up a large stone and holding it in his tightly clenched fist he took aim at the mother duck. Freda gasped. "Wayne" screamed one of the women "get over here now you......." the foul language that followed fell like rain of a ducks back. Wayne determined to reach his prey was now intent on wading into the lake. "Oh you little................" another stream of putrid filth apparently had little effect and as she snatched his hand and dragged him out of the water he was laughing at her obvious irritation.
Ted turned to face Freda "from whence cometh this new breed of woman, butch, foul mouthed, vindictive and at times positively evil. Small wonder men run for cover."
Freda smiled "She needs her Saviour, no one is beyond the reach of our Holy God, but its in His time not ours. He will bring her down"
"Oh come on Freda" moaned Ted "it's a sign of the times, they are self focused and cunning, and what is the "name of the current game, select a victim and run with it. They accuse and men fall."
"It's as old as Eve" said Freda gently "you men are so vulnerable. But this latest crusade is absolutely ridiculous and I can't help wondering why they keep picking men up and why they believe the accusations of middle aged women when they have absolutely no proof. Why the sudden focus on this area when they are always too late where acts of gross violence, murder or pedophilia are concerned. Of course if they were Christian they would know they have to forgive the past, however ugly.
Matthew 6 - 14
Jesus said "For if you forgive men their trespasses,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
They pick these old men up and interrogate them for hours on end which probably leaves them feeling half dead and ready to admit to anything just to get their head down in a quiet cell. Of course it helps if they are a celebrity, compensation is the buzz word." But what concerns me is a man was innocent until proved guilty. How do you prove one word against another.
"Do you remember Gary Puckett and the Union Gap" asked Freda. "Certainly do" replied Ted "are you talking about "Young Girl." Freda continued "well that says it all. These young girls know exactly what they are doing and men have to be extremely careful, that nineteen year old could be as young as thirteen, put a foot wrong and the police along with the Social Service Gestapo would be heading your way.
For heaven's sake it is our responsibility to raise our children" moaned Freda "the blame rests solely on our shoulders. Quite frankly I would tell the state to butt out, although saying that I might have saved quite a few bob on indigestion tablets handing control over to someone else. Why did the kids always start arguing at the dinner table."
My law stood until they were eighteen. Then they were set free and told they were legally responsible for their actions. Warning: as you sow, so you reap. And yes they probably hated me at times.
My law stood until they were eighteen. Then they were set free and told they were legally responsible for their actions. Warning: as you sow, so you reap. And yes they probably hated me at times.
No - you don't leave the house in a skirt that short.
No - you don't wear make-up to school.
Honestly you would think they were nineteen years old, not fourteen and I for one didn't want my husband oggling at a half naked child with legs like Bambi and boobs like Jayne Mansfield. How do they achieve that, surely not implants on kids that young." "The pill" said Ted gravely.
He continued "If I were young today I would probably head off to the nearest Amish community. Those youngsters manage to keep their innocence, beauty and decorum and although they can choose their path they usually go straight home when they realise how sick and depraved society has become.
As for my choice, it would be time to go into reverse gear and head off into the blue searching for a gentle, kind, loving young woman who would take her role as mother and teacher seriously enough to raise God fearing children in spite of the world. Someone like you Freda"
The observers sitting in the shade of the tree rose and slowly began walking towards the friends.
"Ted" she whispered "I am really tired of this world and so very grateful I don't have to endure what is surely coming, you are such a blessing, such a good friend, this twilight walk would have been so lonely without you.
"Ditto" said Ted. He took hold of her frail wrinkled hand. "Come girl" he said "let's head back for lunch" But Freda's gaze was fixed on something or someone he couldn't see. She smiled "Oh how lovely to see you again they all said I had imagined our last meeting and I needed to get a grip" Ben smiled and reached out his hand "There's nothing to fear Freda, come its time to go home"
Ted questioned "are you dozing off on me". Freda's eyelids closed, but the smile remained on her serene face. "Oh no" he wailed "Not now, not here, oh my precious girl."
Ted didn't notice the woman dressed in uniform walking towards him. She moved through the small crowd that had gathered around the elderly couple. The 999 call had already gone out on a mobile phone and the ambulance siren could be heard in the distance. "She's gone" said the paramedic "we'll take her to hospital, they can deal with it at that end.
"Come on Ted" Gloria urged "its time to go back to the house"
"Who are you" asked Ted "well I am just here to help out at the moment" she replied.
"Don't I know you" said Ted "but I feel as though we have met somewhere" She laughed "I know you Ted" she paused "don't worry about Freda, she's home and safe, in a little while you will enjoy her company again."
"Thank heavens" said Ted as the entrance door to the lobby came into view. Turning he smiled at his escort. "Thank you so much for bringing me home, you're an angel" But she knew he wouldn't hear her reply "yes I am" in a second she had gone.
"Too much sun Ted" the Manager suggested "and where is Freda, how many times have I got to tell you, shade and water" she gently reprimanded "your lunch is waiting in the dinning room." Any further questioning was interrupted when a phone rang in the nearby office and Ted knew it was the hospital. The Manager followed him quickly down the corridor. "So sorry Ted" she said "that was the hospital. Freda was dead on arrival."
"It's okay June" he replied "she left me in the park. She's with her Lord. It will be my turn next. I really don't think I could manage to eat anything right now, but I would appreciate a small brandy and then I will go to my room."
Summer turned into autumn and as winter approached Ted still went down to the park to feed Freda's ducks. He stood tearing the bread into small pieces when a small voice said "Hello Ted, my name is Norma" He glanced down at a beautiful little girl with long brown hair and hazel eyes and took her outstretched hand. "So pleased to meet you Norma" He was aware her mother stood close by listening to their conversation.
"My daddy tells me Freda has gone to heaven so she won't be able to feed the ducks any more" Ted replied "yes, but while I can still come down here I will, although one day soon I might need someone else to take my place, would you like to do that" she smiled "I will ask my Mummy" The woman introduced herself as Sam's wife. "We were so sorry to hear about Freda, we saw you both sitting on that bench every day on the way to school. I am sure Norma would be happy to feed her ducks can we stay in touch?" "Of course" replied Ted and looking down at the little girl still clutching his hand he said "Norma, you are a very special little girl just stay as sweet as you are, God bless."
"My daddy tells me Freda has gone to heaven so she won't be able to feed the ducks any more" Ted replied "yes, but while I can still come down here I will, although one day soon I might need someone else to take my place, would you like to do that" she smiled "I will ask my Mummy" The woman introduced herself as Sam's wife. "We were so sorry to hear about Freda, we saw you both sitting on that bench every day on the way to school. I am sure Norma would be happy to feed her ducks can we stay in touch?" "Of course" replied Ted and looking down at the little girl still clutching his hand he said "Norma, you are a very special little girl just stay as sweet as you are, God bless."
Ted made his way back to the home. He felt incredibly weak as he undressed that night. His bible
lay on the bedside table alongside his reading glasses but he was too tired to read. He turned back the bedclothes and climbed into bed pressing his aching head against the cool pillows. "Sorry Lord" he prayed out loud. "I am so shattered tonight. Can I just say I love you Lord, please take care of my family and friends, forgive my trespasses, no doubt you've got this whole sorry world in hand and Your Will be Done. Amen.
Just as he was drifting off to sleep the door to his bedroom swung open. The young woman he had met in the park the day Freda died was standing in the doorway. She wore a white shimmering gown and her face was radiant. "Hello Ted" she whispered "I'm Gloria and I've come to take you home. You made it to the finish line, your battle is over.
John 17 - 24
Father, I will that they also, whom thou has given me,
be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory,
which thou hast given me; for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
SHALOM
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