Well, many of you have been after me to start up my stories again. I wasn't getting any new ideas, so I stopped it for a while. While in bed, the other night, the question "If you had ten days to live, what would you do?" popped into my head. It really left me thinking. Hope it makes you think too.... (If you don't want to receive parts 2 and 3, I will take you off just the stories list, but keep you on my poetry list. Just let me know!)
If I Had Ten Days
If I had ten days to live, I'd live it the way that I should. I'd share the love of Jesus, with as many of my friends as I could. I'd tell them that He truly loves them, in a thousand different ways. I'd tell them to love Him in return, if I had only ten days.
I was only 26 when it happened. Twenty-six, and was told, by an angel, I had ten days to live. I was terrified, at first. Most of you would think 26 is so young, and why would God take someone with so many years ahead of them? I can't answer that, but God has His reasons. I was just glad I was saved and knew where I was going. Perhaps when you read my story, you will understand.
Day one:
The day after the angel appeared to me, my alarm went off at 6:30am. I hit the snooze button and rolled over. I tried to go back to sleep, but all of a sudden the realization of what had happened the night before hit me like a lightning bolt. My heart began to pound. The room was so still, it sounded like a drum. Maybe it was all just a bad dream. I had ten days to live. I kept saying that over and over. My brown eyes opened wide and I quickly sat up in bed, throwing my blankets off as if they were diseased. TEN DAYS! I didn't even know how I was going to die. I was scared. What would I do for those ten days? Where would I go? Should I quit my job and spend it with my family? Wait, the angel said I wasn't to tell anyone, and go about living the way I was. He said I would understand everything when the ten days were up. I guess Jesus would tell me when I met Him. Knowing I would see Him was a comfort, but I was still frightened. I went over to my desk and took out a pen and paper. I wanted to make a list of things I wanted to accomplish in ten days. I wrote, not worrying about order. First, let me do the most important thing, pray. "Lord, there is so much I want to do, but most importantly I want you to use me the way You want while I'm still here. Direct me in the path you want. Amen." Ok, list...
1. Tell my family more that I love them, extra hugs and kisses.
Although, I had promised myself, as a child, that I would never leave the house without saying I love you. You never know when it's going to be the last time you say those precious words.
2. Get a box of cards and send them to all my friends to let them know how much I love them and how they have blessed my life.
3. Pass out tracts at work and pray for those I give it to.
Hey, even if one gets saved, it's worth it.
4. Spend more time with my niece. God, she's growing up so fast. Please keep her little heart pure and help my brother and sister-in-law to raise her up in the way she should go.
5. Go to Tahiti for 2 days. Ok, back to reality. Well, look where I'm going. It sure beats Tahiti!
6. Sigh, tell the man I love exactly how I feel. Even though there won't be any chance, he'll know how he has touched my heart.
See, I've met him six times at family functions, and knew the moment I saw him I was going to marry him. Oh, well, guess not, but I do love him deeply. We have talked each time, and promised to get together, but never have. Conflicting schedules. It's always about schedules. Everyone's too busy. Which leads me into number 7...
7. Make time for important things, like God, family, friends.
Sigh, friends. Are we even friends? Easton Ray. Madison Ray. Has a nice ring, don't you think? Some people would say he's not the best looking guy in the world, but to me he is. He doesn't have the perfect body, or build, and he may not be someone you'd put on the cover of GQ, but he always makes my heart stop when he walks in the room. I love his voice too. It's not too deep, yet nowhere near feminine. It's just right, and that smile. Wow, it lights up a room. Hello, Madison, get back to making a list. You have ten days to live. Easton can wait until later. Oh, bother. Besides, what if I told him now, and lived the rest of my days in regret? Ok, number 8...
******
"Mornin, Madison!" My co-worked Lynette called out as I passed her desk. She was a petite blonde, with striking blue eyes and a beautiful smile. Deep down inside, though, I felt she was hurting about something. She never opened up much and kept to herself most of the time. Then there was Felix Anderson. "Hey, there, Felix. How's your aunt?" "Great! Keep those prayers going! She's improving!" He gave me a thumbs up then walked quickly by. I had witnessed to him a number of times. He seemed open, yet there was something holding him back.
"Hey, sweet thing. You're lookin fine today." I roll my eyes when I heard the low whistle, then turned to see Alec Hudson. Yeah, so he might have been the most gorgeous guy I had ever seen, but as soon as his mouth opened, all of his looks went out the window. "Morning, Alec. And how are you doing?" I always tried to be polite. It was hard, but I just prayed God wouldn't let me say anything wrong. "Well, I was feeling down and then this lovely vision came strolling by. I'd feel even better if I could take her out to dinner." "Alec, we've been through this a thousand times. Thanks, but no thanks." "You know, any girl in this building would give their right arm to go out on a date with me. I just don't understand you. I know you have eyes." "Exactly, and they don't just see your looks." I gave a half smile before hurrying to my desk. I flopped down in my chair and exhaled. Do men ever grow up? No wonder the guy was 32 and still single. The man couldn't see past his own nose. So what if it was perfect.
I put my pocketbook under my desk and began to work. Work. I remember someone telling me the word alone can drain you. They said, "You spend 8 hours a day in a tiny cubicle, typing up things, making phone calls, getting annoyed at co-workers, and for what? Then there's commuting time. Yeah, I know. So you can make a living." But, I felt there was so much more to it. I mean, if you're willing, God puts you in the place He wants you for a reason. Perhaps to witness to someone, even to just be an example, but it's always for a reason. Yeah, I admit, I hated my job sometimes, especially when Alec was around, but all in all, it wasn't so bad. At least I was able to help some people along the way. Even if I wasn't that crazy about it, if God wants me here, I know He'll give me the grace until He's ready to put me somewhere else. Ten days and I would be.
******
I went through the daily routine of the day, but the thought "Ten days" kept going through my head all day. I picked up the phone.
"Hi, mom. I just wanted to call and say I love you. Thank you for all that you do for me."
"Sweetheart, thank you. Something going on?"
"No, just felt I wanted to tell you that. You do a lot for me, and sometimes I don't say thank you, so I am."
"Well, you're welcome. I do it because I love you too." And, I knew she did. I don't know what Heaven is like, but right now I was sure going to miss my mother. Tears pooled in my eyes when I hung up. I'd call dad tomorrow, then my sister, then brother, and so on. I heard the shuffling of feet and quickly straightened up.
"Hey, I'm gettin lunch, wanna come?" Lynette asked. Lord, I don't have much time with her. Use me!!
Day 2:
Lynette and I had a long, deep discussion yesterday. So, long, we were fifteen minutes late coming back. Thank God no one noticed. I was able to talk with her about a lot of things. She was still held back, but was progressing. Even if she didn't become saved before I died, at least I believed God was working in her heart. Then again, it was up to me to be an example, but God was the One who saved her.
"Hey, Madison. I really appreciate what you did yesterday. I haven't opened up like that with someone in a really long time. Thanks."
"Anytime, Lynette. God loves you so much, and He wants to have a personal relationship with you."
"Yeah, I know. I just need to think right now, that's all."
"That's fine. I'm here if you need to talk."
"You know, I have some issues I'd like to discuss with you." OH, that voice. That irritating voice. He tried to be smooth, but there was always some underlying meaning.
"I have work to do." I told him. He made some rude remark then walked away.
"That man grosses me out." Lynette said, rolling her eyes.
"Yeah." Was all I could say. Something told me to follow him. I excused myself and walked after Alec. But, before I could get close enough to say anything, he went into his office, but didn't shut the door the entire way. No one else was around, so I crept closer. I felt like I was being nosey, but something was pulling me towards the door.
"Hi, Jeff, it's Alec. How's mom?....still not good, huh....Listen, I'm sending you guys some more money....Jeff, I don't care, you need it, mom needs it. Stop being so stubborn. I'm the oldest brother, and since dad died, I promised him I'd take care of mom. She's a good woman....Fine, ok....yeah, and tell mom I love her, will ya?...take care of yourself, little brother. I'm always here if you need me....bye."
I heard the click of the phone and stood frozen. Mr. Macho had feelings for other people! It was preposterous!! AND, to top it off, he seemed to have a great family, what went wrong? I was so into my thoughts, I didn't hear him open the door.
"What are you standing there for?!" He yelled.
I cringed, did he know? "I, uh, I wanted to accept your invitation to dinner." Did that actually come out of my mouth?
I think even he was stupefied for a second, cause he stood there frozen. He shook his head, "What for?"
"I'm accepting your invitation to dinner, don't question me or I might say no again." I smiled.
"Wow. The prettiest girl in the building actually said yes!"
He took me out to one of the finest restaurants around. He held the door open, (car and building) pushed my seat in when I sat down, asked if I was comfortable. Where had this guy been all this time?
"Listen, Alec. I'll be honest. I didn't come to dinner with you because I'm interested. I, well, I wanted to know...what's wrong with your mom?" There, it was out.
"You hear that standing outside my door?"
I nodded "yes".
"Not good. Doctors say she has only months. Terminal cancer. She's a good lady, Madison. Darn good woman, and I hate to see her suffer." His ran his tan hand through his thick brown hair, "I've been able to get the best care, but she still is sick."
"I'm really sorry. I'll pray for her." I was ready for a, "You can take your religious stuff and..." but, Alec's blue eyes actually lit up!
"Would you?" he asked. His mouth turned up and I could see his perfect, white teeth, "I'd really appreciate that. See, mom's a very religious person. She's always trying to get me, as you believers call it, 'saved', as if I'm drowning."
I leaned over the table and reached out and touched his hand. He looked at me, and for the first time, I saw a hurt little boy, instead of a grown, macho man, "Alec, you are. You're drowning in sin, and now sorrow. If you don't grab on to God's lifesaver, you'll be lost at sea forever."
His looked down at the table, and then I saw a few droplets of water spill onto the cloth. Alec Hudson was crying. His shoulder went up and down, as he sat silently crying. When he looked up, his eyes were red.
"Can we go somewhere and talk?" he asked.
Day 3:
Alec Hudson became a new born believer last night. I still can't believe it. God works in the most mysterious, amazing ways. Alec told me he acted the way he did, because he was scared. He promoted his good looks, because deep down he felt ugly and useless, yet used by so many women and friends. Women only liked him because of his looks, and guy friends only used him to get other women. They never really wanted to get to know the real Alec, so he hid that man away for years, until now. He said even though I was aloof to him, he still felt attracted to me. He said I had at least been friendly, even if it was fake. I laughed. I told him if he really knew what I had been thinking, he would have really been turned off. It was his turn to laugh. He never felt this way towards a woman. He now realized those feelings of attraction were leading him to Christ. All the lust was gone, and he now loved me in a Godly way, and I felt a good friendship starting. Too bad I wouldn't be around much longer. Alec started acting differently to everyone around him. His laughter and new attitude made them want to be around him. What a change!! Only Christ can make that difference he told everyone. He took me out to lunch today as a thank you for being a ray of sunshine in such a dark world. I silently asked God to forgive me for the bad thoughts I had had towards this man. I prayed that God would help me see others in a different way. I then thanked Him for using someone like me.
Seven more days to go. As I sat with my family the night of the third day, I wished deep down that I could tell them, yet something stopped me. Besides, I didn't want them worrying. I sat on the couch and listened as mom and dad talked about their day, my brother chiming in every few minutes, my niece trying to get everyone to pay attention to only her, and my sister-in-law telling her to wait a minute.
I didn't realize what I was doing until I heard, "Madison, why are you crying?" My 5 year old niece, Savannah asked. My family looked over at me. I couldn't answer as more tears threatened to run down my face.
"Sweetheart, you've been acting very strange the last few days. Is something wrong?" Mom asked.
"I'm sorry. I guess I'm just so happy." I sniffed, "I love you all so much. I just want you to know that." My niece crawled into my lap and we cuddled. "We love you too, but are you ok?" "I'm fine, dad, really." I stopped crying and just sat there enjoying my life.
Stay tuned for part 2...coming next week!! And, no, I will not give hints, so no asking!! Ha ha...you know who you are! ;)
