The Parting: Complication

Pastor Bill knew Christmas was a unique time. There were people who, literally, only attended church at Christmas and Easter. Consequently, these people heard the same messages every year. How can the gospel be presented in a new, fresh way? What did the Lord want the congregation to hear?

He prayed and agonized over this for several weeks. Every time he started to begin an outline, inspiration left him. Inspire, from the Latin inspīrāre which means to breathe upon or into. He wanted the words he would use to breathe life into those who heard him. He wanted the message to put wind into sails so they could sail through the storms of life. Surely, the story of God coming to earth meant that.

Jack visited MIA and JoJo at MIA’s house. It bothered him that his friends had begun drinking heavily. He understood the hurt they were trying to avoid. Still, he knew there was more to life. Hadn’t they learned about duty and honor during their time in the military? Where is honor in being drunk? In spite of the fact that drinking bothered him, Jack made certain to continue to spend time with his friends. He felt that was his duty at the very least. They were still his friends and wanted them to know that he had their backs and could rely on him in civilian life as they had in war.

Jack and Charlotte were eating lunch one day in one of the restaurants in town. It was a quiet time of eating and reflecting. Neither said much. Bob entered the restaurant and after seeing Charlotte, walked over to greet her. After a few steps, he recognized Jack at the table. After exchanging a few pleasantries there was a moment of awkward silence. Then Bob mentioned how happy he was that Jack was home safely and that he kept up to date on him through his mother and Charlotte.

Something about those last remarks bothered Jack. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it. He knew Bob from church but never really interacted with him. If not for his singing, Bob was the sort of fellow that seemed easily forgotten. Then it hit him why Bob’s comments troubled him. He asked coldly, “So you spent a lot of time with Charlotte while I was gone?”

Feeling his face redden, Bob stammered, “No, not really. We’d see each other on occasion and I’d ask how you were. I mostly kept tabs on you through your mom and, a couple times, your brother.”

“So you wanted to keep tabs on me?” Jack asked, his anger rising.

“No it’s not like that at all. It’s, its…”

“Maybe you should tell me how it is!” Jack’s anger was deepening.

Charlotte said, “Jack, what are you doing? Bob hasn’t done anything wrong. He is a perfect gentleman.”

Jack shot back at her, “Oh so YOU were the one showing the interest and the perfect gentleman here didn’t quite give you what you wanted.”

“What?”

“I suppose you needed some company while I was gone like MIA’s wife so you hooked up with Bobby here.”

“Jack, how dare you? I’ve been completely faithful to you.”

Bob interrupted, “Jack, there is nothing between Charlotte and I. We are just friends.”

Jack stood up, faced Bob and stepped close with a menacing posture. He spoke slowly and evenly like his former commanders so you knew you were spoken to and knew your only answer would be, “Yes sir.” “You look here little man. Charlotte is my girl. You better leave her and me alone or else. Do you understand me?” Bob was thoroughly embarrassed at this point and just wanted to leave before he got beat up. The longer he stayed there the more likely it seemed that would happen. “I understand.” With that, Bob turned on his heels and quickly walked out of the restaurant.

As Jack sat down, Charlotte exclaimed, “What’s the matter with you? Are you crazy? Bob came in here and was nice and you practically assaulted him. I mean it when I say there is nothing between us?”

“Was there anything between you?”

Feeling very angry now she said, “No.” In her anger, she wanted to say that she wished there had been something between the two of them but held her tongue. They finished the rest of their meals in silence. As the anger subsided, Jack began to feel a little guilty. It was nice to feel powerful again like when he carried his weapon and swept through villages in Afghanistan. He’d forgotten that feeling. It was like being the king of the mountain. He felt he could take anyone. Bob was an artistic wimpy guy so putting him in his place was easy.

As she walked back to work, Charlotte began to feel genuinely scared about her relationship with Jack. If this is what he was going to be in the future, she wanted no part of it. The problem was that she felt trapped. If she broke off the relationship how would Jack react? Would he beat up Bob even if Bob had nothing to do with it? What would Nancy think? Life suddenly got very complicated.