Preparing for Resurrection: Modern Fables and Parables

Guide

The Human Condition and Saving Grace: The Remedy of God

This section of stories deals with our relationship with God and the impact of grace.

All Ears

I have observed a curious individual, and I am compelled to tell you all that I have witnessed. This person had two heads, but not like a Siamese twin, or even identical twins, for these would have much more in common. No, these heads each had a mind of its own, and the two were constantly in battle. As if that weren’t enough, each of the heads had its own mouth with its own set of lips; and so its own particular appetite, its own peculiar voice, and its own say on any matter. This would be enough to drive any body mad, since a body is controlled by its mind like a slave to its master. So this body with two masters became exhausted trying to please its two heads. This was an impossible task, as long as the two heads were at war, their minds torn apart, and their voices arguing about whose commands the body should follow.

Such was the state of this person when we first met. I observed that one head was organized and calculating, while the other was creative and free spirited. One liked peace and quiet, while the other enjoyed talking, music, and exercise. One believed that the world, and everything in it, was a playground full of toys. The other was a responsible steward of nature. One preferred the company of men. The other would rather be with women. Neither would consent to the other’s desires, and they always saw the opposite side of every story.

But one day a minstrel came to town. He played a melody so beautiful that it soothed one head without insulting the other. The lips began to sing in harmony with their different voices, and every appetite the person had was either calmed or satisfied. Then the person became all ears, and the body found rest at last.

Man’s Best Friend

Sherry’s grandmother was a deeply religious woman, humble, honest, and loving. She never preached to anyone. She simply lived according to her conscience and managed to get along in her unassuming manner. She was the beloved matriarch of the family and everyone mourned appropriately when she passed away. Sherry’s Uncle was the executor of his mother’s estate. When the funeral was over, he approached Sherry and said, There’s a matter, which concerns you, that can’t wait until the will is read.

Sherry was a bit startled and anxious about the gravity of the statement. She was barely out of her teens, and had yet to embrace her grandmother’s example of virtue and charity. She wondered what the matter could be, and why it should be so urgent. Jim walked his niece to his car where Alfie, her grandmother’s beloved Jack Russell Terrier awaited with his own anxious anticipation. He was traumatized by the loss of his soul mate, and Jim had strict instructions from his mother to entrust Alfie to her granddaughter as soon as it was feasible.

This made no sense to Sherry. She knew the little dog as well as any other member of the family. Her grandmother had allowed it to lead her around on a leash, obeying its every wish. Sherry hadn’t quite learned how to be responsible for herself yet. Why would grandma entrust her with this cherished pet? Besides, she didn’t really have any desire to own a dog. She didn’t even want a goldfish.

I think you should keep him, said Sherry as her uncle handed her the leash. Aunt Mary loves Alfie. I’m sure he’d be very happy at your house.

Sherry, your grandmother insisted I carry her wishes out explicitly. Alfie is yours now, not mine and not Aunt Mary’s. He took a bag of kibble, a doggie bed, and some accessories out of his trunk before his niece could protest any further. He stood near her car, waiting with an air of patient authority for Sherry to open the door. When she was done whining, squirming, and huffing, she complied. The next thing she knew the panting pooch was sitting on her seat, with his tongue sticking out, drooling on the upholstery.

Oh, her Uncle added, there’s one more thing Grammy wanted me to tell you. If you treat Alfie well you will receive a blessing. If you mistreat him there will be a price to pay. And, God forbid, he should die from neglect or abuse, you’ll be cursed for the rest of your life.

Grammy’s gonna curse me if I don’t take care of her dog?!!! exclaimed Sherry, horrified at the prospects now before her.

No, explained her uncle. Grammy’s got little to do with it. The blessing and the curse come with the dog. That’s what Grammy was told when Alfie was given to her. She learned to accept him as a blessing. Now she wants to give you the same opportunity.

These words left Sherry stunned and speechless, while Alfie watched from the driver’s seat. Jim gave his niece a kiss on the cheek. He likes his dinner at seven and a walk immediately after he’s finished. Grammy left the rest of the instructions in the bag with Alfie’s things. Good luck, Kitten! he said. Then he got into his car and drove away, leaving Sherry with the spotted despot.

There wasn’t much she could do but take the dog home and attempt to deal with the situation as best she could. She took Alfie for a walk as soon as they arrived, so she could circle the block and fume a bit more, before allowing him into her apartment. Then she threw his bed into a corner, looked him squarely in the eye, and said, Don’t get too comfortable! I’m not my grandmother.

Alfie put his head down, thinking he’d better lay low until she got the hang of this. He knew Sherry would be a challenge, but no Jack Russell runs from a challenge. He remembered what a tough woman Sherry’s grandmother was when he met her. If he could break her, he was confident that he had all the practice he needed to tame Sherry. Let the games begin!

Dinner at seven, Sherry said as she went over the list of demands. "That’s okay, but you’ll have to wait ‘til my show is over before you get another walk. That’s called a compromise," she said firmly, feeling confident the animal understood because she had expressed herself so emphatically.

At 7:00 P.M. she opened a can of dog chow and stirred in the kibble, turning her nose up to the smell, and shoving the doggy bowl across the floor to her unwelcome guest. Then she washed her hands and went in to watch her favorite T.V. show, without waiting to see when Alfie finished eating. When the half-time commercials aired, so did an overwhelming stench from the kitchen, which severely contradicted the pleasant images of burgers and fries on the screen.

What did you do?! Sherry reprimanded. Then she remembered her uncle’s admonition, If you neglect him, there will be a price to pay. Clearly Alfie had no desire to compromise, so Sherry found herself pooper-scooping during the best part of the show. She would have waited until the sit-com was over, but she couldn’t stand the smell. Round one complete: Alfie one, Sherry zero. Luckily he always ate his dinner quickly, so she learned to walk him right away. Then she would only miss the beginning of the program.

As time went on Sherry actually got used to the new routine and the presence of another creature in her living space. But it was still far from a symbiotic relationship. It was more like a working agreement than a surrender. And so it went. Sherry adjusted to rising earlier so she could give Alfie his breakfast and take him for a walk before she went to work. She grudgingly put kibble on her shopping list, but had the nerve to call her uncle to ask if her grandmother had left any money for Alfie’s provisions. No, Kitten. That’s your responsibility, he said. But when Friday night / date night came, as soon as Alfie was fed and walked, she was out of there!

Sherry met a handsome young man at the party. –Well, at least he looked young and handsome after she had a few drinks. --Okay, more than a few drinks. When she was well past her limit, he was her prince charming offering to take her home to keep her safe. What a gentleman! she mused in her intoxicated state. But Alfie smelled the booze while they cuddled at the door, as Sherry fished through her purse in the dark to find her keys. Alfie didn’t like the smell of alcohol. He also didn’t like having to wait so long for his nighttime walk. So he threw a fit behind the door, which scared the boyfriend off, leaving Sherry drunk and aroused without an outlet. This quickly turned her amour into rage, and she plowed into the apartment, with full steam against the door, before Alfie could get out of the way. She heard the yelp and the thump before she could turn on the lamp. The thought of the curse sobered her quickly when the light revealed the motionless body on the floor with a bit of blood where the dog’s brow had hit the table leg. She thanked God he was still breathing, and made lots of promises to try to make a deal to ward off the curse.

Sherry had to call her uncle for help, since her date had left her stranded in her own home without a car. As soon as he saw the dog’s condition he said, Did you hit him?

No! said Sherry. It was the door!

But you were drunk! he said, smelling the brew, and sensing her state, even though she tried to mask it before he came. I’d better take him to the vet myself, before you get arrested for what you’ve done! He carefully swaddled Alfie in a blanket. We’ll talk about this later, he said, -- and you’d better pray he pulls through! he added as they went out the door.

Sherry felt sick, for more than one reason. She barffed and paced, and prayed, and worried all night until her uncle called.

They kept him for the night, Jim said. We’ll see what happens in the morning.

Sherry didn’t sleep at all. She had to call in sick to work the next day. No car. No sleep. No dog. Suddenly the apartment felt very empty. Suddenly Sherry felt very empty. The vacant dog bed, the limp leash, all told her that her grandmother had left her an opportunity to love someone other than herself, and she had failed miserably. She didn’t even care about the curse anymore. She actually missed Alfie. She wanted him back. She got down on her knees and begged God and her grandmother for a second chance.

When the doorbell rang Sherry wiped her tears. There stood her uncle with the bandaged, furry war veteran in his arms. Let’s talk, he said, and the three of them went into the living room and sat on the sofa.

This was a close call, said Jim.

I know! I was really stupid! It’ll never happen again! I promise! I’ll take good care of him!

Alfie whimpered and recoiled as Sherry reached out for him.

I’m sorry. Don’t be afraid, she pleaded. I’ll make it up to you! I’ll let you watch Scooby-Doo! I’ll get you a doggy teddy bear! I’ll carry you for your walks!

Her promises sounded sincere, so Alfie relaxed enough to let her pet him. Jim tucked him into his dog bed and handed his niece the $300 vet bill. She knew better than to ask who would pay for it. I know, she said. There’s a price to pay. It’s my responsibility. I’ll take care of it. I’ll party less and take care of Alfie more.

I’ll come back later to check on the two of you, said Jim. We’ll pick up the car after Alfie settles down.

Thanks uncle, said Sherry, and she began to keep her promises as soon as she closed the door.

Day by day Alfie grew stronger, and day by day Sherry matured. Her ego became much more pliable after that fateful Friday night. She became more conscious of God, herself, and others. Before she knew it, she was following Alfie’s lead and letting him call all the shots. Soon she became a caring woman like her grandmother, kind, loving, and unassuming. Suddenly blessings began to flow into her life. While she was walking Alfie in the park she met a nice young man. Really nice! She could tell, because it was light, and she was sober. They got to know each other as friends on their