The Awakening of John - Episode 2

 

John’s brain was revving more than the car, which had stalled and come to a halt in the middle of the road. He rationalised: The Holy Spirit, is a, well, a spirit – not a middle-aged man in T shirt and jeans sitting next to you in your car. And yet he was fairly sure he hadn’t given anyone a lift, the car had been empty, other than him, when he had started. True, he had been in a tearing hurry, but a stranger getting into the car next to you is something you’d surely notice.

He began to sweat – maybe the pressure he was under had finally made him crack. There wasn’t really a man impossibly in the car next to him, it was a trick of a disturbed mind, the lack of sleep, the slight hangover, the pressure of the interview…

The stranger shook his head: “No, you’re not cracking up – well, no more than normal.” Then with another chuckle, “But I love the fact that you’re so surprised by an answered prayer that you’re more ready to believe in your own insanity than that it has been answered.” And with that, the chuckle turned into a full-on roar of laughter.

John had no response, definitely not feeling the humour, but increasingly persuaded that the stranger knew what he’d expect God to know. He restarted the car, held his hand up in apology to the drivers around him and resolutely headed the car towards the multi-storey car park.

“I wouldn’t bother with that car park.” The stranger said. “There’s a really nice café at the end of the road though. I fancy an éclair with mine, what do you reckon – easier, safer to chat than when you’re driving…”

“I don’t have time for a chat, I have to get to the interview… I’d be there now if…” then he ran out of steam, not sure how wise it was to confront God, or whoever, about unanswered prayer… but again, his companion chuckled, adding gently. “I know it’s going to be disappointing, but you’re not going to get the job, so let’s have a coffee and éclair instead.”

“What? That’s a disaster! If I don’t get the promotion…” he tailed off, interrupted by the thought that had sprung into his mind. “If you knew…”

“‘’if you knew’ what, John?” his voice was quiet and inviting. John hit the wheel again, realising as he did so that he’d driven into the café car park.

“If you knew I wasn’t going to get the job, why didn’t you tell me when I prayed about it – I’ve been so anxious about the interview…” then with light dawning, “Oh, maybe that’s why I don’t get the job – I’m anxious about it and I shouldn’t be because of the whole ‘have no anxiety about anything’ rubbish. Well, I admit it, I’m a failure, but you try living in this fucked up world without being anxious.” He hit the wheel again, sounding the horn, which was strangely satisfying.

Then realising what he’d said, slowly turned to his guest with growing dread on his face. His companion pointed, “Oh, the look on your face! That’s precious! Come on, we could both do with a coffee and some cake.” And with that, he undid his seat belt and opened the door.

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