My school assignment is to pick two out of five endings for the Prodigal Son and expand on two of them. This is one and I still have to do another. It has been hard. It was different finishing what felt like the "Lords Work".

Luke 15

11 ¶And he said, A certain man had two sons:

 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

 13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

 17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

 25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

 26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

 27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

 28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him.

 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

 30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

 31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

 32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

"Father, I fear he will bring his bad reputation upon us and we will suffer from it with our merchants,” said the older brother.  "Our years of hard work and personal integrity are what people remember, Son," Father replied in a voice mixed with sternness and pleading to let this subject go.
"Father, you don't treat him like the other workers," the elder son said exasperated, "he has the jobs we save for the older men.”  “Son, I am in charge and set the work load for each. I retain that right. I don't use jobs as punishment or social order. I give your younger brother tasks that will help him one day when I am gone and you’re in charge; the talents to please you or another employer, skills beyond heavy labor.”
In the distance the younger brother had just finished putting the mill grinding oxen away for the evening and was headed toward his father and brother. As he closed in on them he gave a jubilant accounting saying, "The oxen are bedded down and I noticed one of the older sows is starting to give birth, do I need to sit with her?”
At the same moment father and the elder son answered, the father saying "No, I will get someone," and the older brother saying "Yes.” The younger brother looked from one to the other. The father, frustrated, said, "Your older brother will.”
Hours before the sun came up the father lit a lantern and headed out to the pig sty. "Son, do you need anything? How is she doing?" he asked in a hushed voice as he approached. "She has had six and working on one right now," the eldest son answered as they fell silent again.
After watching the sow push out number seven, the eldest son said, "Father, earlier you said you don't use jobs as punishment. Why am I here?" Father put one hand on his son’s shoulder as he spoke in an almost whisper to draw his elder son’s attention in. "Son, your brother lost all. He succumbed to the thought of such shame that he tried to live with the pigs. Willing to eat and live with them. He is truly humbled and willing to be a faithful servant. I sent you out here to remind you how even one night can be unwelcoming, overwhelming. As you finish the job please consider your brother’s trial and not yours."
Father returned to the house hoping for peace to return once again to his home.
The sun rose to dawn a beautiful morning. As the family gathered for prayer and breakfast the older son entered while drying his hands, quickly walked toward his younger brother and in one swift move gathered him in his arms and said, "I love you my dear brother, forgive me I beg of you. The pigs have humbled me also."
https://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/the-prodigal-son?lang=eng

A Letter Home

To my dear family with much love,

After many hours of fasting, prayer and temple attendance it has been made known to me that my eternal marriage is to become a celestial marriage.

Within a moments of my darkest hour it was whispered to me that my many prayers for true happiness had been answered. My heart rejoiced as my mind raced.

If you will recall I have never said anything to the contrary. I only said I don't know how long it will take.

But yet many have contacted me only to persuade me to go counter to what was burning in my heart. And still those who should trust my judgment, don't.

My Bishop advised me from day one that the most important thing is Tom and I. That family will have to sit on a back burner while that relationship takes time to heal righteously.

I have not nor ever will shun my children or my new children by marriage or my loved babies that come from that union. I will, and do, step back when the only feedback I receive is that I have been deceived.

If you don't like or understand or believe that I have received that right counsel from the Lord, please take it up with Him.

For now I need people around me that believe in me.

My Bishop called me one day and asked "how you doing?" I told him fine, but it was hard for me to discern between those I talk to if they are listening to me because I need human interaction and love or if they want the latest for purposes of gossip. He told me that he was getting plenty of calls of gossip. He told them that they need to have faith and support in Ginny's inspiration.

I have not pulled away. I have turned aside.

My heart aches at the trial I am going through. I faulter daily at the task before me. My question always is, will I make it. This is harder than I can bare. My only strength comes from the many times in ordinary ways the whisper of the Holy Ghost comes to build me up again.

If you continue to shout I will turn from you. If you become as one with Still Small Voice I will embrace you..

As I sit and wait for the next wave

New Beginning

I am addicted to Taco Bell. There are times as I drive through Miami and Globe I will pass by the greatest Mexican food in order to feed my dirty habit.

I like the Taco Bell at the junction of the 60 and 70. I prefer early morning to early afternoon. Oh the food is all the same. It's the cashier. She is short, a bit heavy, real plain faced, and if she doesn't have her teeth in she can talk a little like she has marbles in her mouth.
 Isaiah 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

The first time I met her was just about two years ago. It was on a trip back up to the ranch. A particular hard week. No, not the bone tired of working a ranch hard, it was, I can't even remember what was said but it was a heart break, can't believe people can be so cruel week. Down in the dumps week.

As I looked over the menu, I don't know why, I always get the same ole thing. I hear "I can help the next customer". I step up and order. She repeats it back, then says "Has anyone told you today that you are appreciated?" "Well I appreciate you."
I smiled and said "That is just what I needed." She smiled.

As I waited for my food I thought that is a pretty good gimmick for a fast food chain. It made me like the service as much as the food.

I got out to my truck to finish the drive and I had a melt down. It really was what I needed. Gimmick or not.

It's not a gimmick. She has said it to me plenty of times. Today I heard it again while I was there. The man in front of me knew it was coming, and he said it to her before she could get it out. They both grinned.

After it was said to me I told her "I appreciate you appreciating me, we all do." She asked if she could tell me a couple of stories. Of course I shook my head to the affirmative.

"I have been saying I appreciate people for two years. I started when I moved here to Globe. A while back Joe who is a regular here stopped by. He said to me "Melanie you look tired this morning". She told him she was. It is because she has no car and she walks up the hill at five am every morning. Later that day he brought her a car, the title, forty five dollars to change the title to her name and ten bucks for gas. Joe owns a wrecking yard. The car needs a little work but she is happy.
Then there is another regular customer from Tucson. He is a dentist. He told her if she can make it to Tucson he would make her a set of dentures. Free of charge. He has. He also told her if she has any other dental needs to just drop by.
She told me she has been given a hundred dollar tip and 2 fifty dollar tips. She said "I always split it up with the help in the back because I don't work alone".

Believe me she is doesn't do it for the gifts she has been given. She is in it for the complete surprise and smiles she sees on our faces.

It has me thinking I want to say something up lifting. My own "gimmick". To brighten a day or lift a dark cloud.

I will have to think on it. But for now I want to appreciate.
Melanie, for lifting my cloud and brightening my day. For two years.
The Lord, for holding my hand as I sometimes tried to pull away.
Tom, for taking each burden or stone I removed from my life. Examining each one for better understanding. Then placing them in a path of sorts that can trodden down and conquered.
We learn in the temple. Satan has the power to bruise our heels but we can crush his head.
I have taken stones from inside and have walked upon them. They line the soil of my soul. They border my garden that now has room for trust to bloom, love to grow tall, and forgiveness to keep it fertilized.

I will find my perfect word or words to brighten another's day. But until then "can I buy a vowel?"



New Beginning

 

Unexpected Change Through Delay

Nettie woke with a jolt. It was now twenty two hours in this small airport. Slowly she started to reminisce on the last few days. She had flown from Arizona to Florida for a funeral of a dear high school friend. The plan was to go on to Colorado before returning home to see her sister but the plane was diverted to New Mexico due to a technical malfunction, which left her on standby to Colorado unless she wanted to just fly home with a sooner flight.

Let's see we decided it had been forty seven years since we all had seen each other. Was it really that long? How life has it's quirks. The last time we all saw each other was at another dear friends funeral. JoAnn died two weeks after graduation from High school. That was the last they were together. Then came faraway colleges, military enlistment, work and families.

Nettie decided to take a walk and stretch her legs. Do a little people watching, one of her small enjoyments.

Sylvia stood with her arms tightly folded across her chest. The conversation going on in her head was becoming heated as she became aware of herself. Fearing she may have mumble words out loud. She slowly looked around to see if any or all eyes where upon her. After a quick scan, her thoughts were a bit more within reason. It started to play out what lay before her. 

Here I go again, she thought. Is it that complicated? Can I ever win with these people? How hard is it to follow through! I don't believe they could blow their own noses if I didn't hold their hands up to their faces.

Immediately Sylvia fumble around in her backpack for her phone. Disgusted in herself for not putting her phone in its usual place. She thinks, short of unloading her pack in the middle of the airport, to find the dad blasted thing, it seemed, to have found the path of least resistance, to the far crevices of the bag. 

A moment later, phone in hand, she pushes redial knowing full well the top number would have been the office.  Mother what are you doing at my office? She says in such shock and dismay that surely now those around her are alerted to her agitation. Your at home? Then how did I call you? Oh yes I remember now you did call me last. No I am still waiting to board. Yes I love you and will call you as soon as I get there, she said as she hung up to place the right call this time.

Scrolling down she got the office number and pushed send. It rang twice then went to the recording to leave a message. Frustration crossed her face while her brain clicked off another topic that needs to be said once she gets Amy within her reaches. 

Amy her new assistant, is a young intelligent girl around 22, tall and slender. What Sylvia's family called "a tall drink of water". Sylvia liked to add "soda water" because Amy has such a happy bubbly personality. 

Sylvia hangs up once again to call Amy's cell phone. One ring and Sylvia hears a soft but happy voice say, It's a cinch, how can I help you? 

Sylvia started "It's A Cinch" about 15 years ago. What started out as a hobby of making cinches for friends has evolved into a full time business. Catering to elite group of horse enthusiast and high rolling rodeo stars. 

This is Sylvia, where are you? In almost a ferrel cat hiss. 

Coming in behind you, I can see you now. Amy answers.

Sylvia hangs up and once again drops her phone in her bag.

What in the world were you thinking, did I not make you a list? A very detailed list! In a voice much too loud for two people standing nose to nose. But at this moment who cares if the whole worlds hears this Sylvia thought.

Yes ma'am. Amy said with a firm but slight quiver in her voice. Amy had been warned of the temper or almost disregard her new employer had for people. Amy had such a love for the clients and the merchandise that she felt it could out weigh the bad. Plus she was going to stay on her toes and prove herself.

Then where are the cinches? I was expecting to unload them before the metal detector. Sylvia said in such a low growl that anyone who had been attracted to the interaction would now have to be straining to hear.

Amy with all she could muster, said in an even voice, I asked you in a memo last Tuesday if I could send them on ahead with George as he was going early with our other products for the booth. You had okayed it.

Sylvia feeling sheepish but with the need to what she feels "stay on top", said in a bark with less of a growl. Good. George is trustworthy.

Amy smiled and said. But I did notice your wallet on the counter and thought I had better hurry it down to you. Have a safe flight, and while I am here is there anything you need from me to help you out further?

With a half smile Sylvia answered, not at this time thank you.

Amy waved and turned. With a smile on her face she now knew it was all bark and no bite. 

Over the intercom it was announced flight 207 for Colorado was now boarding at gate 3. Silvia grabbed her backpack and her small duffle bag and briskly walked toward the gate. 

The line was forming as she reached it. She stepped in behind a young man with dreadlocks. She smiled and thought to herself that he most likely was headed there for the "greener pastures". Her way of acknowledging the "weed laws", the legalization of marijuana.

Behind her is an older woman. Medium height with a motherly build. One that has a bit of a leather look to her like she must be outside a lot. Probably gardening. If she had finer clothes, Sylvia would of joked to herself of the many options of what she could of been growing.

Sylvia was hoping to be more to the front of the line so she could get a window seat in front of the wings. It just seems quieter there. With this being just a small plane there is no assigned seating. If it wasn't for the mix up on the cinches she would of been more on her game. 

Sylvia has her first sign of luck. She sees a seat just where she prefers. She hurries toward it. Stows her duffle bag in a bin above her and takes a seat. Stuffs her backpack under her seat of which she had just previously grabbed her reading book.

Excuse me. Um, excuse me. Is this seat taken?

Sylvia looks beyond her book to see the woman that was behind her in line. No ma'am. It is empty. She says in her sweetest please don't sit by me voice.

Good. Answers the woman as she slides in next to her. 

The book or what Sylvia calls her "wall" when in public was already up in place when she hears the woman next to her say. Hello my name is Nettie. She puts forth her hand. Sylvia gives it a small shake and says I'm Sylvia. As she put the wall back up.

Nettie turns her body to face Sylvia and she says, please excuse my rumpled look. I have been on standby for almost a day. I was just told there was room on this flight. I am going to see my sister for a few days. Was that beautiful young lady your daughter? 

The last thing Sylvia wants to do is visit let alone discuss an employee. As she gathered her thoughts, hoping to give a brief answer, along with the atmosphere of I don't visit I read. She answers in a short and calm voice. No an employee. 

Nettie smiles and lays her head back against the seat. She has a lot of your features. I thought for sure she was yours. Do you have children?

Sylvia now lays the book in her lap but not before she closed it in a way that if books could shout it would of said "don't make come over there and answer this!"

Sylvia dons a smile of sort, prepare in as few words as possible to answer this question in a way that this chit chat may stop. 

Yes two daughters. One is twenty seven and the other is twenty five. They are married. I am a grand mother. They live in Colorado and I in New Mexico. I haven't seen them in years. We all have very busy lives.

Nettie pulled forward in her seat. Laid a hand on Sylvia's hands, which were on her book, and said. Bless you dear. I could see in the airport you are a very busy person. But too busy for your own? 

Sylvia wanted to get up and move before she started on her "Mind your own business" tirade. She had performed it so often to others that she now with great pride had almost perfected it. As she opened her mouth to let the words flow with finesse, Nettie squeezed her hands and said Love is a wonderful thing, it runs so deep within us that sometimes we can't find it hidden in our deepest recesses. But it is there. All we do is have to do is awaken it. It is funny how we build a hard outer shell to save our soft underbelly. The harder the shell the softer we are. 

Sylvia sat in pure silence. These words. These exact words were spoken to her years back as she sat next to her dying Nana. How could this total stranger know? She felt years of hardness melting away. Her soul felt as though a key had been found and inserted into her heart, turned and released memories that that flowed across her mind like a beautiful comet with a long tail made of love. 

They spoke no more. Both lost in deep thought.

After the plane touched down. Sylvia reached for her backpack and stood to retrieve her duffle bag. Her heart still heavy with the thoughts of her Nana and where she had let her life go. The walls she built. She reached out, touched Nettie's arm and said, Nettie, thanks. All the while thinking of how a old woman on standby opened her eyes.

Sylvia fumbled around in her bag and placed a call that was very unplanned. 

Carly this is your mom I just flew into Pueblo, you and your sister want to meet for dinner?