At the kids were sent to brush their teeth while John retrieved his Bible. They shared reading through a passage of Scripture. Right now they were working their way through the Psalms. When they finished the Psalm for the evening, John prayed and the kids all made their way to their rooms. Corrina and John would make their way around to each room and tuck in each of the kids.
“Good night, my children. Sleep the sleep of the loved!” John always made this pronouncement in a booming voice. It made the kids giggle. Any day they could fall asleep with a smile on their faces was a good day in John’s book.
John enjoyed reading for awhile before deciding to check email one last time for the night. He also enjoyed spending some time on Facebook each evening. This was one way that he could keep up with his extended family. Most of the time he did not think about how far away they were; but when he read their posts he missed them all. He would follow the ups and downs of former guests who had friended him back when they were at the shelter. Nothing excited him more than to hear of their successes as they reported on new jobs, or kids getting well. The downside was that nothing distressed him quite like hearing of their struggles and pains. Often times he thought about unfriending those who were living in total rebellion. Their language and their support of issues contrary to God’s ways hurt him deeply and he wanted to avoid the hurt. But he resolved to stay with them. Their lifestyle would lead to pain, they would remember his love and then he could again attempt to share His love with them. If he cut them off, all opportunity would be lost. He prayed for those who requested prayer and even some who were rejoicing in their corrupted lifestyles. After a few moments, John updated his status. After getting ready for bed, John again returned to his book.
When Corrina heard him brushing his teeth, she too got ready for bed and they read next to each other for a while before they put the books down and talked. This was the one moment of the day where the two could talk without having to explain details for the kids.
John shared his hurts and disappointments and his dreams. Corrina smiled and encouraged him not to give up.
Corrina shared her frustrations with homeschooling the kids as well as the moments of success. The two discussed politics, religion, friendships and extended family until they finally turned out the lights and fell asleep. Another triumphant extraordinary day for John Hero was complete.
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