How can we number the things a mother teaches her children? Mothers teach children how to tie, how to dress, how to brush their teeth, and how to use their manners. The mechanics of life become a bit more complex in the teenage years. We teach them to drive, and to answer out loud when spoken to (though it seems by this time it should go without saying!). But it’s only when we look back on what we’ve learned from our own mothers that we get a glimpse of the volumes of wisdom housed in our … [Read more...]
No One Dared Ask Him
{This work of fiction is based on the framework of John 21:10-14. Previously, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3} It was just a few moments before the hull of the boat sliced into the shore. “Bring some of the fish you just caught,” Jesus hollered. Peter swallowed the bread, jogged to the boat and climbed on board to help drag the bulging net out of the water. The seven of them heaved fish, nets, ropes, and baskets up the shore to begin untangling fins and sorting by kind and … [Read more...]
Welcomed With Forgiveness
{This work of fiction is based on the framework of John 21:8-9. Previously Part 1, Part 2} Water rushed into his ears, and muted the night sounds. The quiet underwater allowed the screaming questions and the agonizing apology to echo. When Peter broke the surface, he saw Jesus bending over the fire. He swam until he could stand and thrashed through the water to the shore. The unmistakable scar on the hand that stirred the coals and turned the roasting fish confirmed it. It is the … [Read more...]
Daybreak Surprise
{This work of fiction is based on the framework of John 21:6-7. Previously, Part 1:} Peter coiled the ropes into a sloppy pile on the deck. The man on the shore called to them again, but Peter couldn’t hear over the lapping water and sliding ropes “What did he say?” Peter asked. John answered, “He said, cast on the right side to find some fish.” The rest of them stopped fiddling with nets and oars, ropes and sails. They looked from one to another, too tired to think and too … [Read more...]
Frustrated Waiting
{This work of fiction is based on the framework of John 21:1-5.} It was a dreary but familiar rhythm. Peter cast out his net and heard it slap the surface and then hiss as it sunk. Hand over hand, Peter and John drew it back in scraping ropes over the hull. Slap. Hiss. Scrape. Nothing. Hour after hour. All night long. The motions had come back as naturally as breathing, but tonight he was waking muscles that had been sleeping for years. And they were angry. Three years … [Read more...]
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