The following vignette is something I wrote in my journal to help me process some thoughts that were going through my mind. I find it helpful to write like I’m having a conversation with one of my characters when I’m trying to think things through.
Daniel is Daniel McTavish an Irish Mafia hitman who repented of his sins, gave up the Mafia life and is now a youth pastor.
This is not a story per se, so I thought it better to share in my blog.
The song lyrics is a hymn called Trust and Obey written originally by John H Sammis.
A pinch and a pinch for the first day of the month. No returns!
“Why?” Daniel scowls at me. I just giggle. He continues glaring at me beneath lowered brows.
It’s the first of March.
“How old are you? Ten?” Daniel mutters as he picks up his guitar.
Oh. Has Pips been giving you lessons?
“In what? Sarcasm?”
Ha ha ha. No. Guitar, Danny.
“I’ve always known how to play. Just never bothered keeping it up.” Daniel starts to pluck absently at the strings.
Oh. Sorry. I didn’t know.
“That’s okay. How could you?” Daniel gives me a small smile then stares down at the instrument.
Sing something.
“Sure, what do you want to hear?”
You choose.
Daniel huffs, but then nods a little as he begins to sing in a low voice.
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way
While we do His good will
He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey
Trust and obey
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey
But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay
For the favour He shows
For the joy He bestows
Are for them who will trust and obey
Trust and obey
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey
And in fellowship so sweet
We will sit at His feet
Oh, we’ll walk by His side in the way
What He says we will do
Where He sends we will go
Never fear
Only trust and obey
Trust and obey
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey
Trust and obey
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey.
Daniel sighs as he finishes and glances up at me. I’m holding my breath, not realising it until I need to release it in response.
Wow.
Daniel looks away; I’ve caught him at a vulnerable moment.
That song must mean a lot to you.
Daniel nods. “Trusting God doesn’t come easy to me. But, when I do, I find a peace I never had in my old life.”
Not hard to believe.
Daniel smirks. “That’s true. Not a lot of peace in what I did back then.” He huffs. “Anywho. There it is.”
Pips would be proud.
“Ha. His type of music this is not.”
Oh, you’d be surprised. Sure his band was death metal, but his original material is a lot different.
“So, he’s no Pillar?”
More like Chris Tomlin.
“Ah. Not a bad assessment, then.”
Not at all. Though Pillar is good too.
“Yeah, so I’ve heard.” Daniel sets the guitar down. “So, how’re you and hubby going?”
We’re going okay. Had a discussion last night about how we both feel disconnected from each other.
“Yeah?”
Yeah…it’s tough at the moment. It’s not like we love each other less, we just don’t have the energy at the moment.
Daniel nods. “Can I say something?”
Sure.
“Trust God.”
Thanks, Daniel.
Marly's World 