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| A Cross To The Road; Christian Story by bpw 5-6-11 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Apr 19 2014, 03:43 PM (219 Views) | |
| A thinker | Apr 19 2014, 03:43 PM Post #1 |
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(A Derivative Seed from “An Entrapment Gone Good”) Narrator’s Note: I too am a “Derivative Seed” from the, now deceased, devout servant of God mentioned in his story “An Entrapment Gone Good” due to the sowing of one Mr. Paul McFarland whose parents were directly sown seeds of the dear farmer Christian in “An Entrapment Gone Good”. I offer this explanatory introduction to you, the reader, so that you can connect the parallels of God’s work in both stories as well as a very brief introduction of myself, the narrator of Mr. McFarland’s walk with God. I have my own testimony regarding my walk with God yet that remains to be another story to be told. I chose to write of Mr. McFarland’s walk with God because Paul was and is a very dear friend to me, Paul is responsible for sowing God’s seed in me, and I thought God would appreciate sharing Mr. McFarland’s testimony with the public. You will learn more about Mr. McFarland in the ensuing narrative but I will provide a brief insight as to who Mr. McFarland is and some basic information to his ties to the Christian farmer. These insights are provided so that you may understand some un-said thoughts that you may derive as well as appreciate how God’s work continues even after we go home to heaven. In case you have not had the pleasure of reading “An Entrapment Gone Good”, it will be insightful and useful information to know that Mr. McFarland’s parents were the proud owners of a home provided by the Christian farmer. This home set the stage to God’s seed being planted in Mr. McFarland not only by his parents but also by the community where he grew up and the Christian lifestyles of those in that community. It is as vital importance to know that Mr. McFarland never had the pleasure of meeting the Christian farmer – of all the things to recall and retain from this introduction please “back burner” this specific piece of information. Mr. McFarland grew up in a loving and meager Christian home and community, went to college, endured trials with alcohol, pornography, various jobs, a failed marriage, few to no friends and very little to consider of value per the “fleshly world” also known as “the world of man”. Paul intentionally chose to abandon his walk with God early on, as a young child, because he did not like the hypocrites and sin that he saw in Christian lives. This is the quick and short of Mr. McFarland prior the beginning of narration below of one Mr. Paul McFarland. Mr. Paul McFarland, to most, was your average person, he worked a job that he was very good at, had a few friends, and is at the end of a ten year journey that got his life back on track with God. While at work, one day, Paul was suddenly hit with an idea that he had not thought of in a very long time and had even forgot about. Paul was curious as to why this idea resurfaced and quickly ascertained that it was due to his boredom with his current job of a recent anniversary of ten years. Paul had, a long time ago, been inspired to be a farmer or work as a farm manager but dropped the idea upon going to college and ending up in the profession of working with computers. Paul acted on this resurfaced desire because he was ready for a change in his life. He researched the costs associated with owning a farm as well as what would be required to be a farm manager if such a profession even existed. Upon Paul’s detailed research of three months, Paul decided to pursue the avenue of being a Farm Manager because he did not have the funds to procure his own farm and there were too many “cons” against starting out as a new and first-time farm owner. During Paul’s research, Paul came across a website that specifically advertised for various farm positions of which one was a “Farm Manager”. Paul was grateful that he came across the position near the end of his research and was very hopeful that he would still be able to be a viable candidate for the position. Paul sent an e-mail posted on the website telling of his interest and his research into being a Farm Manager and wanted to know if he could come visit the estate to finalize his research as well as speak with the owners to receive some specifics of farm management that may be revealed to him that he had not discovered during his research and even possibly discuss the current Farm Manger position that was advertised on their website. Paul was very excited and anxious to receive feedback and this was clearly evident by his close co-workers. Some of Paul’s co-workers attempted to inquire of him his new “bounce”. Though Paul was friends with a few of his co-workers he only confided everything and important things to one very close, Christian friend at work. I knew Paul would get around to telling me what was going on after all his other friends gave up on trying to find out what Paul’s excitement was about. Two weeks later, Paul calls me on the phone, at my desk, and asks if I can go to lunch with him that day. I knew right away why Paul wanted to go to lunch and heard even more excitement in his voice. Paul revealed to me, at lunch, of the idea he had come up with a few months ago and of his research and the results of his research. I found it strange that Paul did not reference his “thought” as a gift from the Holy Spirit because during our ten years of friendship and discipleship to each other, Paul generally gave God the credit for everything. I did not, at this time, bring this to Paul’s attention because I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to retain that conversation for a later date. After hearing the entirety of Paul’s excitement I felt, during Paul revealing his plans to me, dis-hearted because I knew a very dear Christian friend would potentially be moving away from me. I was quickly reproved by the Holy Spirit that it was God’s will that this was happening to Paul and was instantly relived of the sorrow and was just as excited as Paul was about this new path God was leading him down. Paul wanted to know what I thought and my first comment was had he prayed to God when this thought came to him and as I expected the reply was yes and Paul said he had been in prayer about this during the entire process of researching. I knew Paul was not asking for my affirmation to ultimately side with on what we both knew was going to happen but was seeking me as his Christian friend for counsel as to whether there were any areas he had not thought of spiritually in regards to such a major change in his life. I simply told Paul that if he had been praying about this and is still in prayer about this then God’s will will be done and to remain letting God be in charge of the new path God was leading him down. I knew a major back thought Paul was struggling with was whether or not to drop this or not because of a lot of very bad decisions he had made in his life as well as to his current boredom with his current job. I saw the struggle in Paul’s face and knew he had not entirely given this to God. I said, “Paul, you have been through a lot and God brought you through all that for a reason. God will bring you through this too, give your fears about this life change to God and He will ease your heart, mind and burden of the fear and help you through this as well.” It is always amazing to see how the Holy Spirit works in people’s lives. The next day Paul, for the most part, was back to his normal self and very little excitement and anxiousness was evident. I knew then that Paul had prayed and given his career change entirely to God. That same day Paul received a phone call from the farm estate not only wanting him to come visit their estate but they would additionally provide him room and board that he only need to be responsible for the travel arrangements. Paul immediately went to management and requested a weeks worth of vacation and was granted the week. Paul went back to his desk sent out an internal e-mail stating he would be on vacation for a week and whom would be the contact for support during his vacation. I knew instantly what was going on and prayed to God that God be with Paul in his travels and with Paul during his meeting at the farm estate. I also thanked God for his kindness and faithfulness to Paul. Paul arrived at the farm estate on a Monday and was met by Miss Roslane Leslie Quahker. Paul, through his e-mail correspondence, knew of Miss Roslane Quahker per her signature block in her e-mail correspondence (minus the Leslie, that is, and Miss Quahker did not divulge her middle name upon her initial meeting with Paul). Miss Quaher was, per Paul’s estimate, about Paul’s age. Miss Quahker showed Paul to the guest house, took him to his room, and invited him up to the main farm house upon Mr. McFarland getting settled in his room. Paul brought a small piece of luggage because he had not intended on staying more than two nights so it did not take him long to unpack and get settled in to his room. The hour was about noon and Paul was hoping that he would not have to endure a long business meeting before he could leave for a bite to eat. Upon Paul exiting the guest house, his hunger over came him ten-fold because of the smells that fell upon him from the direction of the farm house. Paul was immediately taken back this his childhood when he lived at his parents house because the smells reminded him of what his mother and neighbors used to cook when he was growing up. A quick and brief thought hit Paul, “I wonder if these people are seeds from the Christian farmer”. Paul knew of how his parents got their house and jobs but he did not know much about the Christian farmer other than stories that he had heard in the community he grew up in and because of the sin he witnessed by other Christian community members he chalked the “Christian” farmer up as just a very generous and kind hearted man that Christians liked to glorify and talk about to distract others from their sinful lives so he never pursued an early walk with Christ and disregarded his faith til about ten years ago. Paul disregarded the thought quickly due to his imposing hunger. Paul was hopeful that he would be able to partake of the meal he was smelling but thought that it was probably for the workers on the estate. Paul reached the farm house, which reminded him of a larger version of the Walton’s house (a family oriented television program Paul watched growing up) with a porch that ran along side two sides of the house, knocked and waited. Miss Quahker answered the door and welcomed Paul and invited him inside. Miss Quahker asked Paul if he was hungry and if he wanted to eat prior to “getting down to business”. Paul enthusiastically acknowledged his hunger and Miss Quahker escorted Paul to the family dinning room. Paul was surprised that he was being treated with such hospitality and silently thanked God for Quahker’s hospitality. Paul seriously asked Miss Quahker if he was imposing in any way and that he could go into town for a bite to eat if he was in any way imposing. The Quahker family had already gathered around the dining room table and they all began to laugh at Paul’s comment. Paul’s embarrassment was evident and Roslane came to Paul’s aid by applogizing for her family in that most guests made similar comments and that it always came as a surprise and kindheartedly funny to her family because they were all reared with treating guests as family and was difficult for the family to understand that guests could not immediately feel welcome at their estate. Paul was set at ease immediately upon Roslane’s explanation and simply replied, “Of course, why shouldn’t anyone be at ease with such a wonderful family as yours and thank you for your generous hospitality.” More laughter from the Quahker family ensued and Paul took it in stride that the family was truly kindhearted and jovial. Paul later found there was additional meaning behind the family’s laughter and later appreciated their laugher enormously. Upon consuming a very hearty lunch, in which Paul assumed he must have put on seven pounds in that one meal, Paul was reluctant to even think about initiating discussion as to why he was there. Again Miss Quahker came to Paul’s rescue and asked Paul if he would like a tour of the immediate area of the farm. Paul was pleased to go for a walk instead of having to sit through a business meeting and potentially fight back sleep from having an over-stuffed stomach. Paul was curious as to the wording Miss Quahker used “immediate area” and soon found out the reasoning for such wording. “Miss Quahker,” Paul said, “I was just curious if we will be discussing the business of managing a farm later on today?” Miss Quahker, quietly giggled and said, “Mr. McFarland, can we put formalities aside being this is a farm and we are accustomed to addressing people by their first names around here. So do you mind if we address each other as such?” Paul had to giggle to himself because he was very professional and was approaching his visit to the estate as a professional visit but knew he was not in a “city business” environment and apologized and agreed to Miss Roslane’s suggestion of how to address themselves and followed by reintroducing himself to Miss Quahker. “Miss Roslane my name is Mr. Paul or you may simply call me Paul.” Roslane laughed a lot more loudly this time and replied, “Paul I hope things go well with your visit here at our estate and I think you will fit right in with my family and the staff in regards to your having a sense of humor. I will compromise with you considering I think you are approaching this visit extremely very professionally and seriously as too are we but we are very relaxed and responsible with our business transactions. So I will address you as Mr. Paul and if it’s ok with you, you may address me as Miss Roslane.” A mutual giggle was shared and Paul inquired as to if anyone ever called her Rose. Roslane said no and was quick witted herself and stated that if Paul wanted to call her Miss Rose that would be a welcomed compliment. During their jovial conversation, Paul had not realized that they had completed the tour of the estate’s fixed structures and apologized to Miss Rose for he had not really paid attention to where or what the buildings were. Rose laughed and said it was ok because the walk was more to get to know him and his personality instead of showing him the layout of the estate because their business is more successful if they have quality people working for them verses skill because the skill can be learned but time is of the essence on a farm and personality will get you through a lot on a farm and is as important if not more important than skill when someone first starts out in farming. This totally set Paul back. In fact, Paul had stopped walking while Miss Rose had continued walking and was elaborating on the importance a person’s character and found himself quite a distance apart from each other upon Miss Rose completing her comments. Rose had been focused on how to express to Mr. Paul the need of great character and in what she was saying that she too was surprised to realize that her and Paul were so far apart upon her completing her conversation. Rose turned and looked back and asked Mr. Paul if something was wrong. Paul explained that he had come to visit the estate for research and that the Farm Management position was only a hope he had thought might be vaguely referenced. Paul was further taken back because he realized that maybe his perceptions were inaccurate in that Miss Rose was simply interested in knowing his character and was not suggesting he be employed as the estate’s Farm Manager. Being the jovial and observant person she was, Miss Rose understood where Paul was and was also aware that Paul thought he had spoke out of turn in regards to potential employment and quickly, again, set Paul’s mind at ease. “Mr. Paul, three things you should know. First, I and my family appreciate frankness, candidness, honesty, sense of humor, professionalism and reliability in and of ourselves as a family and the people we hire are an extension of our family so that is more of to the significance we place in a person’s character. Second, your visit here, per our family, was and is to consider you for the Farm Manager position. We do not have the luxuary to invite guests here on fact finding that is why we have our website. I apologize for not revealing our agenda to you early on in e-mail or upon your arrival but we did not want you to go into “interview mode” or have you arrive in that state so we decided to let you think your visit was based upon your agenda. Lastly, considering the dinner, our conversation on the tour of the estate’s buildings I will let you know you are very seriously going to be considered for the position.” Paul was very pleased with Miss Rose’s comments and was also in a state of shock. Rose knew this was a lot to take at one dose and asked if Paul needed a moment. Paul was accustomed, throughout his life unsaved and saved to incurring such shocking moments and quickly gathered his wits and thanked Miss Rose and declined the offer to recompose himself. This quick readjustment was also noted by Rose and was additionally a character she and her family liked in a person. Paul notified Miss Rose that he would of course need some time not to think about an offer if he was presented one but that it would take some time to get affairs, back home, in order before he could transition to the farm location. Rose stated that all that had already been considered and would be acceptable to her and her family. “Miss Rose are you the business part of your family’s estate?” Paul not knowing several things about the estate (i.e. the reality of running a thousand acre farm and all that is associated with that fact alone) and never having been a farmer thought his comment was quite professional and appropriate. Rose doubled over laughing with tears rolling out of her eyes and was apologizing while doing so. “Oh Mr. Paul, I am glad you have sense of humor and I know you did not mean that to be funny in any way but you will be a welcomed remedy to our busy, stressful and sometimes routine and dull days here on the farm if you do end up here.” Seeing Mr. Paul further perplexed, Rose calmed her laughter a little but Paul’s obvious confusion could not cease her laughter. “Let me explain Mr. Paul. I know you researched our estate via our website, correct?” Paul replied, “yes”. “I know you came from a farming community but stated you yourself are not a farmer, correct?” Paul’s reply, “correct”. “Ok Mr. Paul here’s the big picture, on a thousand acre farm you, or any other person on the estate, at any point and time will have to wear many hats. Are you following me?” Paul’s reply, “Well I know as a manager in anything you have to wear many hats, so I think I am following you.” Paul and Rose continued their discussion about what would be expected of Paul as the estate’s Farm Manger on the farm house porch well into the nite. Concluding their discussion Paul arose and said he liked challenges and knew being a Farm Manger would be a challenge but thought it would be easier than owning and running his own farm and understood Rose’s laughter at his statement per their discussion of his responsibilities. Rose simply inquired if Paul was still interested and enthusiastic about being a Farm Manager. Rose’s expectations were met when Paul resoundingly and confidently said, “Absolutely yes!”. Paul politely excused himself to his quarters in the guest house with a lot to think about and plan because he was sure he would be the Quahker family’s new Farm Manger very soon. Rose went inside where a few of her family were waiting to hear about her conversation with Mr. McFarland. Rose rehashed the events and comments that transpired upon her and Mr. McFarland leaving from lunch and assured her family that their prayers had been answered that God had not only sent a capable person to be the Farm Manger but a man of God as well. Roslane also reiterated that Mr. McFarland was to be addressed as Mr. Paul or Paul and that Paul would be addressing her as Miss Rose or Rose. Rose’s family simply smiled and knew what Rose was saying without it being said and joy filled the room. Upon all the family leaving the living room except Rose and her parents, Rose knew why her parents had stayed and knew that they all needed to get to bed because the life of a farmer’s day begins too early and a strick schedule of going to bed on time was essential for the survival of a farm of their size. So Rose knew the conversation would be brief. Rose did not have to wait for her parents to ask their question because she knew their hearts. “Mom, dad, I know I did not mention any comments about Paul expressing his faith but you both have, in your days of hiring people, have relied on the Holy Spirit’s guiding employees to you in that they were either people of God or people that God wanted you to witness to them. I am telling you both that I know Paul is a man of God and know that his role of Farm Manager will be done with first and foremost a focus on God and not as a business or a job.” Rose and her parents rose prayed a prayer of thanks and gratitude for God’s blessings and kindness and departed to their bedrooms. |
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