...Realizing the desperation of my situation, I raised my voice in a frantic call for help, but I was no match for the ever rising turbulence and my voice was lost to the roaring of the wind and waves. Flashes of my life rushed through my minde: my uncle's family, Grandfather, the strange Nazarene... my parent's death. As my dory was on the brink of capsizing under the immense pressure of the storm, I made one last attempt to call for aid - this time to the One who could hear me when nobody else was able. "God of the Universe!" I cried, "Save me!"
What happened next was unexplainable. The wind stopped. The rain stopped. The water ceased its relentless surging. The sun came out and smiled upon me. As I unclasped my hands from their tight hold on the side of the boat, I raised my head in wonder and noticed the small fishing vessel floating beside me, having obviously been tossed there by the storm. Standing up on the deck was a man with hands outstretched, gazing upon the sea with a look of affirming sadness. He turned slowly to the men who were huddled together in a corner of the boat. "Why is it you are so fearful? Where is your faith?" At the tone of his voice, something in me wanted to cry. I stared at him with wonder and felt that somehow, something unnatural had just happened. As he disappeared into the hold of the boat, one of his companions called out to me, but I was too distracted to understand what he said. I needed to sort out my thoughts. Picking up my paddles, I began to row towards home with all my strength. Grandfather. Grandfather would know. I once again became a tiny child, running to my grandfather with complete faith that he would make all things right.
By the look in my eyes when I first entered the house, Grandfather sensed that something was not right and I found a willing listener to my strange and jumbled tale. By the look of awe on his face, I could see he was deeply moved. When my story was finished, he jumped from his seat and cried out "Jesus, the Nazarine has saved you - it could be no other!" My mind whirled. Suddenly a slow smile crept across my face as everything was put in place. My eyes met his as understanding dawned upon me. "Grandfather, could you once again tell me the prophecies of old? That night Grandfather and I had a long talk.
As the morning mists began to clear and the birds started to fill the air with sweet strains of melody, I oversaw the last of my belongings packed snugly on the donkeys. Taking in the beautiful surroundings and filling my lungs with fresh country air, I made a picture in my mind that would have to carry me through another year until I could once again return home. My gelding pawed at the rich sod impatiently as I was lifted gently onto her back. We set out on the road toward's Jerusalem and I turned to lovingly blow a kiss towards my grandparents who were standing in their doorway, proudly looking after me. This time there was no need for a long goodbye as we had heard that the Nazarene would be traveling to Jerusalem and my grandparents planned on joining me to hear the teachings of this amazing man, this Jesus... the Son of God. Yes! I believe, I truly believe! Grandfather had been right.... once again.
Seems that I had grown older, and Grandfather younger
Convinced that that is he
Ammeriah fainted
I had fought a good fight
That was the night Grandfather grew old.
Pressed my tapering fingertips to my temples |
