What others plan
for us might seem to come true, at least on the surface. However, under all
their expectation is the reality that when given few choices one might agree
without intending to fulfill a commitment. Perhaps you are like Naomi and me
wishing to create no need for others to examine us too closely and find us
wanting we have taken what appears to be the easy route. Yet within every
choice come a myriad of other choices and expectations. If we were to look
backward and examine what happened, I believe we would see that Gods plan for
us occurs whether we took the easy of difficult road. Mine, Naomi’s, and
perhaps your journey has, at times, been stressful. However, the good news is
that we now know much more than we did when we began, and those others who
seemed to have it easy, traveled down a different road yet learned what they
were supposed to learn, which proves to me that God; thought not orchestrating
our lives, does know the end from the very beginning.
The Text
“Padre, that sigh sounds like it has
come from a man who has a great weight within his spirit. Are you burdened, my
friend?”
“Many things concern me. I have
burdens and worries for some who are in my care.”
“I know what you mean. I am concerned
that we have not acted well for Naomi’s sake, and this weighs heavy on my
heart.”
“I understand. But what can we do? She
is a woman now set in her ways. She needs no one.”
“That is true. However, that does not
mean that she is complete. We know a woman needs a man just as we need our
faith in God.”
The priest frowned. “What are you
suggesting?”
“Oh, have you not heard?” Ralph asked
with a wide-toothed grin.
“One of Naomi’s reprobates has become
a philanthropist.”
“And how did this come about, my son?”
“It seems that Naomi gave him a few
dollars when he was in a bad way. I understand she had him sign her pledge
book. The rest of the story is as unlikely as her own is. I have heard it
repeated that he said from that day to this, he kept his pledge. In making it
the cornerstone of all he thought and did, he was
blessed beyond his capabilities or understanding. All this man now asks is that
he may approach the lady with a proposal of marriage.”
“This must surely be of God. But why
would she marry now? She is able to accomplish all she wants without a man. What
would motivate her?”
“Ah, Padre, one should never
underestimate the desires of the heart once it is fanned,” the sly barrister
said. “We do not need to promote this union, but let us introduce the man to
Naomi and see what God will do. After all, it is not good for a woman to be
alone, and as Naomi ages, who will take care of her? Not everyone can be as
fortunate as La Señora was when she selected the little mouse to care for her and carry on her
work. After all, Naomi has done well. Does she not deserve a portion of her
life for herself?” The priest was about to answer, but before he could, the
attorney added, “And this man, Chaz, has a connection to our lady like none of
the others that have visited her before.”
The priest considered everything the
attorney shared, believed the matter settled, and stood to leave. “I see that
you have been thinking about the lady’s situation a great deal. She will at
least want to meet him and hear his story. Perhaps this is the man.” That said,
he turned and walked out of the eatery.
The attorney followed on the priests
heels, reached his office, and called Naomi. When she answered, he asked her to
meet the man her actions had saved from, as Chaz himself had put it, “A life without
meaning.” Ralph had them meet at his office so the man could explain the effect
Naomi’s words had on him and the extraordinary change he experienced once he
had signed her pledge book.
Author’s Comments
The attorney has
presented so many possible suitors to Naomi that he’s sure she will finally
chose this man because they both work to help others and have a unique tie.
Perhaps for some mutual goals, a common faith, and language are important.
However, I’d like you to close your eyes and picture Naomi: an illegal
immigrant, admired by all, a Jew, afraid to tell her best friend about herself.
Now consider the two choices facing her, what would you do if you were
her?
Reflective Questions
What have you
signed up for?
Do you like your
journey so far?
Would you like to
make a different choice?
Scripture
Jeremiah 29:11-12 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
May you walk in the sure knowledge that God always planned for YOU!
You can win a free copy of Book One! Visit The Mary Reader Blog, and leave a comment. http://themarybookreader.blogspot.com/2012/09/interview-with-paula-michelson-author_15.html
Audio book of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing is now available on iTunes.
Reviews for Book One: http://www.amazon.com/Casa-Naomi-House-Blessing-Blessings/dp/1613461380/ref=la_B007ECYI32_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347920487&sr=1-1
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