Chapter 33 - A Time for Everything

Pastor Bob and I met so early we actually opened the Koffee Kup Diner yesterday.

We prayed together and searched the scriptures.

We reached the conclusion from our reading that we should minister to and comfort the afflicted, the dying, and the distressed. 

The realization that our friend John didn't have long to live was hard to take.  It forced us to think how we could help others who need it now and how to reach those still suffering long after the mourning had stopped.

Julie called to ask if we were hanging out at the diner.  I told her we were and she asked if she could bring John in to join us.

"Sure," we said.  "It would be nice to have him around to set us straight."

Twenty minutes later, Julie and John walked in, John leaning heavily on Julie's shoulders.  They each wore a smile, although Julie's looked a little forced.  Everyone in the place stood and moved their chairs and tables out of the way so they could make it more easily to our table near the kitchen.

It was quiet, just the sound of the halting steps across the diner.

Bob and I helped John stand and move close to the table before he sat.  Kandy, the new owner, had a fresh cup of coffee at John's spot before he sat down.

John's voice is strong and his distinctive laugh brightened the room, "Guys, this is breakfast - not my wake.  Today is a great day to be alive!"

Bob said "Amen," and the two of us sat down with John at the table as three plates of pancakes appeared in front of us.

We talked about the progress of the harvest crews sweeping across our section of the county and the great way so many people were working together to get a big job done before winter set in.

We talked about the Bucks and how they were looking so far at the start of their season and contemplated how the Packers might do with the games yet on their schedule.  John told me that he and Julie were going to accept the offer of the tickets in the Packer suite this Sunday if I was still able to drive them.  I told him it would be great, but said with a laugh that he would need to buy my brats during the game.

John slid a piece of paper across the table to Bob explaining everything should be there and asked Bob to fill in any gaps he might find.  Bob smiled and nodded while folding the paper twice before sliding it in the pocket on his denim shirt.

John took a forkful of pancakes and washed it down with a slug of coffee.  After a moment, he looked at the two of us.

"Guys, I'd like your help.  After I'm gone Julie is going to need to do something about the farm.  I've talked to Mr. Post at the bank and he thinks there are a couple of good options for her to consider.  She could rent out the land and make enough money that way to cash flow the property and have enough to live on.  Or, she could rent the land for a year or two while waiting for the right buyer.

"Julie and I talked about it and we don't want it to be divided into a housing development.  If she can sell it for a good price and move into town free and clear with enough to create a pool of income for herself that is a good way to go.  The reason I'm telling you two guys all this is that I would appreciate it if you both could help Julie out.  I know you won't tell her what to do, but will answer her questions and help her think things through."

Bob and I looked at each other, then looked at John.  "John, you've got it.  We will do anything we can to help her out."

Then John laughed a bit before coughing interrupted him.   A drink of water later, he smiled and said thank you.  "And guys, I know I don't have much time, which is why I'm trying to help get the ducks in a row here.  But, I hope to live past Christmas into next year if the good Lord is willing, so you have to stop looking at me with tears in your eyes.  There will be time for that later, OK?"

We caught ourselves, pretended to cough out the lumps in our throats and gave John a light playful punches on the shoulder.

"Oh, one more thing.   Julie won't be back for at least a half-hour.  Can you get Kandy back out here?  I'd really like a nice chocolate malt."

And with that, the laughs and stories began - time for three friends to enjoy breakfast.

Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak

  a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.