The Parting: A Ray of Gold After the Storm

Jack awoke the following morning with peace in his heart.  While he felt more contentment than he had experienced in a little more than a year, he understood he was not out of the woods yet.  Therefore, he went to the VA website to find information about psychological help.  He believed he was suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  He located a facility close to where the Andaluz family lived and went there that day. 

He was disappointed and a little angered to find a receptionist who could care less about the young man standing in front of her.  Actually, she acted liked she took pleasure in being able to flaunt her authority and make him wait while she piddled about on the computer.  At first, Jack took it all in stride.  However, he sat for a considerable amount of time with no information.  He began to wonder if she was on Facebook.  Finally, she called him back to the desk to announce, with a smirk, that he had to go to a facility close to his home address or he would have to permanently move to this area. 

As a gut reaction, Jack wanted to scream and throw furniture around.  He wanted to break things.  Before he began to see red, a thought came to him.  He wanted to see his mom and brother.  This actually made him happy.  With a genuine smile on his face, he announced he would go to a facility near his home.  The receptionist acted perturbed that she hadn’t gotten to him.  She wondered to herself if she was losing her touch. 

As Jack rode the bus back to the Andaluz house, he called his mom to give her the news.  She was overjoyed that her boy was finally returning home.  Next, he contacted the airline to arrange a return flight.  This was another exercise in anger management.  It seemed the ticket he originally purchased required a return within 30 days.  He exceeded that by a few months and it would cost him several hundred dollars for a one way ticket home.  Instead, he booked a one week advance round trip ticket that was less than a one way ticket .  He planned on never using the return.  It sort of made him feel good to stick it to the airline. 

He called his mom again to advise of the details of his flights.  Finally, he told the Andaluz family.  As he told them he would be leaving, the full scope of their kindness rushed in on him.  These people took in a complete stranger.  When he didn’t leave at the expected time, they allowed him to stay longer.  Even still, there was no timetable when he would depart.  Additionally, they fed him and provided friendship, love, and encouragement.  In a short time, they became family to him.

Maria, MIA’s mom, spoke to him privately that night.  She wanted to impress upon Jack her appreciation for his friendship to her son, Miguel.  Though he was gone, in some way, Jack was a surrogate.  More than anything, she had to drive home one point.  She said, “Jack, you know how I feel about people using their God given talents.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Have you read Matthew 25 to know about the story that means so much to me?”

“Yes, I have, several times.” 

“It has always struck me how important it is to God that we use what He has given us.  He will one day take an account of how we use it.  I used to wonder why Jesus mentioned that the one who didn’t use his talents would be cast out into the darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.  It seemed harsh for God to throw someone into hell for not using their talents.  I spoke about this with a pastor.  He said it isn’t so much going into hell but the sorrow is so great over wasted opportunities people will cry and clench their teeth in severe anxiety.”  There was silence as the point was driven home.  Then Maria continued. 

“Jack, I see a lot of talent in you.  God has given you much.  To whom much is given, much is expected.  God has placed you on this earth for a reason.  The world is an empty place when you withhold your gifts but we all benefit when you use what God has given you.”

Gratitude washed of Jack and he began to cry.  Maria reached and pulled him in for an affectionate, motherly hug.  She whispered softly, “Oh papito.  You are such a good boy.” 

“How can you tell?  I’ve been such a, a, slug since I’ve been here.”

“I know a good person when I see them.” 

The next few days, Jack considered the blessings in his life.  In spite of his father dying, he still had a strong family unit.  He had been given many abilities.  If a person who has little and doesn’t use it is sad, how much more will someone weep and gnash his teeth when he was given much?  He felt he had an embarrassment of gifts.  He found himself praying for God’s guidance as to which gifts did God want him to use for the benefit of the world.  He wanted to leverage his gifts to their maximum usage.