The parson, back from his travels, had preached Sunday’s sermon, such as it was, and been briefed on the activities of the church in his absence. Now, he sat in his favorite dinner early on the Tuesday morning following his return.
His breakfast of two eggs over medium, hash browns, grits and toast with real old fashioned butter had been consumed with accented relish. Perhaps it was the food was just that good at his dinner. Perhaps it was his being home in familiar surroundings. Either cause had delivered a sense of satisfaction not achieved in distant places. Now with his Kindle fired up, he patiently consumed his second cup of black decaf as he read the day’s report of news in the leading papers. He’d just finished Eugene Robinson’s column concerning President Obama and the black vote when a voice called to him.
“Parson, well, well, the wanderer returns. I didn’t know you were back.”
It was Lawrence Prichard who greeted him, known to the parson and a few well chosen friends as Lap from his full name Lawrence Auturo Prichard. Lap had known the parson for years. Their association went back to a time when the parson was young and serving a small rural circuit of four churches and Lap a lay leader in the nearby Episcopal church.
“Yes, we’re back, Lap,” responded the parson as he motioned for him to occupy a chair opposite him. “Want some breakfast?”
“Thanks but I’ve eaten,” said Lap.
“Coffee?”
“No thanks, Parson. I just dropped in to give Doris a package from my wife.” (Doris was the cook and owner of the dinner.) But Lap took the seat the parson offered. “How was your trip?”
The parson responded it was wonderful. He shared with Lap his travels, his hikes, his climbing of a couple of mountains, and the people he’d met along the way.
“Well, sounds like you could have stayed away for a longer time, Parson. Did the church survive without you?”
The parson downed the last of his coffee, stuck his Kindle in his pocket and began to rise from his seat as he responded, “You know, Lap, when I got off that plane and drove home I went by the church. Lo and behold it was still there. Now I have to decide if that was a miracle or a message from the Lord.”
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