by Annie Boone
The older man’s stern exterior slipped for a moment and a slight grin showed through. “As you like, sir.”
Sometimes, Albert wondered why God had chosen him. He grew up with privilege, the son of a widower who had put his life into his business. He didn’t hold his father responsible, but he did wish they had more in common.
God does work in mysterious ways, he thought. Why God plucked him up and away from a man like Horace Barnesdale as his main influence, Albert would never know. Maybe he would ask that question when he arrived at the Pearly Gates, but until then he’d just do the best he could to honor his Creator.
His father’s shrewd business practices caused many to wonder if Albert was sincere in his desire to care for others. His father seemed to care little for the well-being of others, unless it was to help him gain something that he wanted in return. Horace Barnesdale had plenty of worldly possessions, but some would say he was morally bankrupt.
Albert knew that at one time his father had been a decent man, but he didn’t remember those days. Mr. Eldridge, the Barnesdale family butler, had told him that before his mother died his father had been a businessman seeking to help others. After her death, he turned his back on his faith and focused on filling his bank account.
There were times when Albert felt sorry for his father. He must have spent his life being lonely and angry. Then he’d remind himself that these were choices his father had made on his own. He prayed daily for his father and their relationship, but so far his prayers had not changed anything regarding his father.
Though he didn’t give up, he did develop a thick skin where his father was concerned. He no longer got upset at displays of anger and grown up temper tantrums. He didn’t let his father talk him out of doing the work he knew he was put on the earth to do.
Albert arrived at the church on Tuesday with a light and happy heart. The thoughts of his father were set aside as he prepared to minister to the sick and needy in the community. On Tuesdays he visited the hospital to share the Gospel with those who wanted to hear it and prayed with those who needed it.
He usually had a partner, and today he would be visiting in the hospital with Martin Jacobson, an officer at the Atlanta Bank and Trust company. The two worked together often and had become good friends.
“Martin, old boy! Glad we’re visiting together today. How’s the family?” Albert clapped his friend on the back and reached out to shake his hand.
“Everyone’s fine. Mostly, anyway,” Martin sighed. “The baby as a cough, but it seems to be getting better. Kept us all awake night before last and I don’t think we’ll ever get that sleep back!”
“I hope she’ll start improving fast. I’m sure it’s worrying when your baby’s sick.”
“Indeed, it is. So what’s our plan today? Same as usual?”
“I think so. I have a list of church members in the hospital. There are six this week. I was surprised at that number. If we have time, we can drop in on the children’s ward to see what needs we find there.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
As they drove Albert’s wagon over to the hospital, they talked about happenings in the church and some of the politics in Atlanta. There was some nastiness brewing around the upcoming mayoral elections and both men worried what effect that could have on the city.
“So how are things going with your father? Any movement on his part about supporting your future endeavors?” asked Martin.
“No, just the opposite. I had lunch with him on Sunday and he told me he’s created a position in the company for me. The kind of position that will teach me everything I need to know to take his place when the time comes. I declined, of course, and he got mad. Again.”
“I admire you for standing your ground. I’m sure it’s not easy to pass up the opportunity to inherit the most successful industrial finance company in the city.”
“He and I have never been close. You know that. But I hate disappointing him. That’s the hard part for me.”
“You’re a good man, Albert, and you do such good things for the people in the congregation. When you get your own church, you’re going to be a great leader. I have no doubt about that.”
Albert appreciated Martin’s support. He knew that some of the congregation didn’t agree with Martin’s opinion. They expected Albert to be like his father deep down. Those people were waiting on him to slip up. There were even a few who were rumored to believe that Albert was faking his dedication and faith. They thought that eventually he would try to take advantage of their trust.
When he first heard the rumor, he was heart sick that anyone would think so unkindly of him. He spoke of his feelings with Martin.
Martin had looked at him solemnly and addressed the issue head on. “Don’t worry about their words, Albert. Worry about your actions and the rest will take care of itself. You’ll prove them wrong eventually. Always remember that this speaks to the state of their hearts, not yours.”
Albert had never forgotten that advice and he now only concerned himself with doing what he felt was right. He learned and grew with every opportunity to serve. He even turned that advice around and applied it to his father. This was more difficult, but he did the best he could.
Of course, Albert was too kind and loyal to speak ill of his father to others openly. He was able to speak about his concerns with his pastor and Martin. He didn’t dwell on the troubled relationship, but he did seek advice when the burden got too heavy to bear alone. Martin offered support today without Albert even having to ask for it. God always provides, he thought gratefully.
When Albert was a boy, he could often be found at the church. His father was busy at work and he was mainly looked after by the house staff when he wasn’t in school. He enjoyed the activities for children and he made many friends. Eldridge always made sure he was at church when he wanted to be.
As he grew older, he gave of his time willingly wherever he was needed. His love of the people in the church grew and so did his passion to help those in need in the name of the Lord.
A new parson came to the church when Albert was about fifteen years old. Thomas Keller was a seasoned preacher who was enthusiastic about leading the congregation. He, too, carried a deep need to serve God and God’s people.
One of Parson Keller’s greatest gifts was his ability to bring even the most calloused sinner to his knees with a fire and brimstone sermon. But he could also comfort who seemed to be inconsolable, in just about the same breath. Albert felt God’s call even stronger as he studied Parson Keller.
And the parson noticed the same fire in the teenaged Albert that he felt in his own heart. Though their lives were in different seasons, they developed a close friendship that stood the test of time. Albert respected the pastor the he wanted to respect his father, but couldn’t.
The irony of Albert’s family situation wasn’t lost on Thomas Keller. The son of a ruthless businessman who wanted nothing but to serve the Lord. He fully recognized that this was God’s work and he was thrilled to have the opportunity to assist in His plan.
As Albert grew into his faith and his calling, Parson Keller became a devoted confidant for him. Albert shared his hopes and dreams along with his struggles and sadness. His relationship with his father was often at the heart of both the good and the bad.
The next day after his Tuesday hospital ministry with Martin, he spent the day at church studying. Over lunch with the parson, he shared his latest disappointment related to his father. “I just don’t know why this is so hard for him to let go of.”
“A father’s greatest joy is to see his son follow in his footsteps,” Thomas Keller answered. “You have always known this day would come. You told me that yourself.”
Albert sometimes wished Parson Keller wouldn’t be so objective in his assessment of things. He also wished he didn’t have such a good memory. He often reminded Albert of things he’d said when he was emotional or angry.
“Yes, but I didn’t think he would be so adamant an
d headstrong about having me work in the company. He never paid that much attention to me before. I just assumed that when I told him no a time or two he’d give up.”
“Has something else happened?” asked the pastor.
“He was annoyed that I was late to lunch on Sunday because I’d been at church. He knows I’m there every Sunday and it’s been that way for years. But this Sunday, he told me has reserved a position for me in Barnesdale and Cross.”
“Hmm. I see. So there are real consequences on the table now if you refuse.”
Albert nodded. “But bigger ones if I accept, I’m afraid.”
“What do you mean?”
Albert hung his head. “He has always called my work here a foolish hobby. That offends me beyond measure. He also says that church work will not give me the means to support a family. Father told me a few years ago that he was searching for a suitable wife for me. As you can imagine, I want none of that. He hasn’t mentioned it in the past few months, but I think he’s laying low on that to reel me in to the position. Then I’ll be had.”
“I do remember when he said that living your faith was a phase,” the pastor chuckled. “It’s a phase that has lasted several years, isn’t it?”
Albert smiled. “I suppose so.”
“Well, do you have a final decision?”
Albert nodded, “Of course. I want to be here. God’s call ignites a fire of passion in me that I have no intention of dousing. I do not want my father’s life.”
The preacher nodded, “God commands that a son and daughter honor their parents. God’s commandment does not even imply that a son must blindly lead a life chosen for him by his parents. If I may speak freely,” he waited for Albert’s consent and continued when he got it. “I truly believe that it is your duty to encourage your father to come back to the church. I do not believe, however, that you owe him your career.”
Albert nodded, “However, he is my father and I don’t want to disappoint him.”
The preacher smiled, “Indeed, he is your family. You wouldn’t be you if you weren’t considering how he’ll feel in all this. Do remember that he will not always be here. When he’s gone, you still have to live with your choices. The only thing that will matter is whether or not you have heeded God’s call.”
“I know that I also have a family here in this church. That is comfort to me, Parson. I take your advice to heart. I’ll do my best to chip away at the stone around my father’s heart, but I must follow the Lord. I must live my faith.”
“Somehow, I knew you’d say that,” said Parson Keller. He smiled and patted Albert on the back as he walked by. “Let’s go now and study the book of James. It’s a short book, but it’s powerful. It teaches us about prayer.”
Albert nodded and joyfully followed his mentor to soak up as much Bible knowledge as he could.
Two weeks had passed since Albert had annoyed his father by being late to Sunday lunch. On top of annoying the man, he had also angered him by refusing to take the position his father was creating for him in the family business.
Since Albert was kneeling at the altar deep in prayer following the service, it was likely he was going to miss lunch again. He had tried to make his father happy with anything else he could do, but the only thing Horace wanted was his son to work in his company. That wasn’t going to happen and Albert felt like his was in a jam.
“Father, God, I thank You for Your mercy and kindness. I thank you for Your Son. As I bow before You, I beg You to take this burden from me. Show me the sign I need to confirm that this is truly the step You want me to take. I need to be certain that ministry is what I’m called to do. I want to be Your vessel, but I need to know that this is the way and the place You plan for me to be used. I’ll do what You want, Lord. It’s my fervent desire to serve You and Your people. In Jesus’ most precious name I pray. Amen.”
He remained on his knees a few more minutes in silent meditation and deep thought. He felt like if he was still and quiet enough, that God would pour him fill of wisdom, tolerance, and backbone. Yes, he did need backbone as it related to his father. God knew that, and Albert was sure he would provide it. He was standing up to his father, but it wore him down sometimes.
It also didn’t help that some members of the congregation had caught wind of the offer Albert’s father had made. All who knew of this believed that he would be leaving them soon to take his place in the world of capitalism and big business.
It was amusing how none of those who knew asked him directly about it. They just waited to see what was going to happen. Possibly they were gossiping amongst themselves, but Albert didn’t care. He wasn’t leaving and soon everyone would realize that.
He stood, stretched his legs a bit, and smoothed his trousers. He’d placed his jacket on the front pew and when he turned around to get it, he saw a very pretty young woman standing at the back of the church watching him. He looked around to make sure there wasn’t anyone else there that she could be looking at. There wasn’t. Only him.
He cleared his throat, and walked to where she was standing. “Hello,” Albert said as he approached her. He smiled in welcome and stopped a few feet from her.
The woman stared back at him and smiled kindly, “Hello.”
“I don’t believe I’ve seen you here before. Are you new in town?” Albert extended his hand and took hers when she offered it. “My name is Albert, by the way.”
“My name is Helen and yes, my family just moved here.” After a brief handshake, Helen pulled her hand back and looked around curiously. “The church building is magnificent. It’s reverent. I like that.”
Albert smiled “Yes, I am so thankful for it, as well as the congregation. And, welcome. I’m happy you’re visiting today. Do you think you’ll want to come back for a second week?”
Helen stared at him with bright eyes as she responded, “Yes, definitely. The music was inspiring and I loved the sermon. Parson Keller doesn’t mince words, does he?” She laughed politely and gave him a knowing look.
“You picked up on that, did you? It could be that your first visit fell on a day he preached about something he’s very passionate about. Gossip. He believes that this favorite sin enjoyed by many is second only to the love of money in the hierarchy of the evils.”
They were laughing together and it didn’t seem like they’d only met ten minutes ago. She actually held her stomach and bent at the waist because she couldn’t get her breath from laughing. I never knew I was all that funny, he thought. Maybe I am.
“Now that you speak of gossip, I may have heard about you.”
He raised an eyebrow. “My, my. What did you hear?”
“Only that you’re dedicated to working with people in need as part of your ministry here,” she smiled.
“Who told you that? I guess it doesn’t matter, but I’m wondering if we have mutual friends.”
“Our neighbors. The Cosper family. They live across the street.”
“Oh, Margaret and Calvin. They’re lovely people. Well, except that demon child that lives with them. Little William is a terror,” he laughed.
“Little William is most definitely a devil. I hope he grows out of it. They’ve asked me to babysit for him and I’ve always managed to have other plans.”
“Good move. I would definitely do the same thing.”
“I guess I’d best get going. I’ll see you again, I hope.”
“You’ll see me again, for sure,” he smiled. He watched her as she turned and walked away. Hmm. Maybe if I marry her, Father won’t be able to force me into marrying within his circle, he thought with another big smile.
Feeling a warm, instant connection to Helen, in a way that he had never felt about anyone before, he chuckled and shrugged as he turned and walked in the opposite direction. On his way home he thought of how he could connect with her again.
He developed a plan to visit her home. He would go there unannounced in hope that she wouldn’t be put off by this. He could send a note and invite her
to an event or supper, but that seemed boring. He decided that something more spontaneous and different would impress her more.
Then he laughed at his plan. He was planning to be spontaneous. He hoped that one day he’d be able to let her in on his secret.
Albert knew where the Cosper family lived, so it was easy to find her house. She said she lived across the street.
He spent the morning on Tuesday at the hospital just as he always did. His partner for the day just happened to be Parson Keller. He didn’t mention his plan to go see Helen. He didn’t even mention that he’d met her. He wanted to keep all that to himself for now.
Just after lunchtime, they had visited with the last of the patients who needed them that day. They did stop and get a bite of lunch when they were finished. They ate a sandwich standing up at the lunch counter of the Piedmont Mercantile.
“I’m going to head back to the church, Albert. I have some work to do on my Wednesday night prayer meeting sermon. Are you coming by there?” the parson asked.
“Not today, Parson. I’ve got some errands to take care of so I won’t see you until tomorrow.”
Albert watched the older man as he walked out of the building and headed in the direction of the church. Then he rubbed his hands together as he mapped his next steps in his mind. He was deep in thought when he realized he was standing in the middle of the sidewalk getting bumped by people passing by.
He mentally shook himself out of his daze and stepped out of the way to finish his plot to get to know Helen better. He had a momentary lack of confidence. Did he misread her? Was she just being polite or did she like him? He pushed his insecurities aside and started walking to where his carriage was parked.
When he pulled up in front of what he believed to be Helen’s house, he went through the motions of securing his horse and buggy. He used the time to perfect his opening lines. When he was sure he was ready, he walked up and knocked on the door.