The Awakening of John - Episode 22

“Hello Bob, good to see you again – what can I get you today?” John was surprised at the familiarity – he’d often wondered whether Bob did things as ‘Bob’ when he was at work, this seemed to suggest that the coffee shop featured. He wondered about payment and was even more puzzled when the two coffees and doughnuts were presented to them without being charged. Bob saw the puzzled look and as they sat down said quietly, “I come here when you’re at work for a couple of hours most days – hang out with some of the other regulars, help clean up if they’re busy or short-staffed. Nice place, nice people. Anyway, they give me free coffee and cakes.” John shook his head in a combination of disbelief and growing acceptance. Of course, Bob would help and hang out. Stars in their courses and crockery on the right shelf…

“I love singing. I know I’m not always in tune, but I love singing.”

“That’s it? That’s the detailed analysis of the service and my angst?”

“No, just saying. I love singing – it lifts my spirit, lifts my view. Sure, some of the lyrics might have even worse theology than yours, but the act of singing… raises the eyes. Did you see the lady a few rows down from us – with the rampant toddler? She was obviously new – didn’t know about the kids work… she was so embarrassed that the boy was causing so many turned heads and the judgment she was feeling… Life’s crushed her John, took so much courage to come this morning. Then that elderly lady went and stood next to her. Whispered something to her, held her hand for the briefest moment. That made me really sing.” He looked across at John who had tears rolling down his face. “Do you know how many church services I’ve attended today? Any guess at how many perfect ones there were? Your worship leader – the previous one left because of the pressure… she’s young, she’s terrified she’ll get fired if she doesn’t cut it, so yeah, the emotional manipulation isn’t great – I’m not blind to it – but I’ll tell you what really caught my eyes – her heart. Despite everything, she’s wholeheartedly for me – desperate to know more, to lead people close… go Abby… so tell me, where did your attention rest?”

John dried his tears. “Inside my head, my heart. I saw the same as you and didn’t see it at all, I was so focussed on my anger, my distress.” Then with a sigh, “actually, that’s not quite true. The person who did the notices – in the middle of them he did a prayer about something random, disconnected with anything – I felt at the time that maybe it was something he was going through… that maybe it was his way of sharing a need… Shoot. It was, wasn’t it, it was you nudging me. Shoot, I blew it…” John looked straight at Bob who just inclined his head and shrugged his shoulders as if to say ‘and…?’

“He might still be at church, I’m going back – are you coming?”

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