Houses of Pain

Sometimes, when it rains, it pours. The strong winds make the seas roar. Fear causes us to run and close our doors. Sometimes, we are forced to crawl on all fours. Life isn't always wrapped in 'the pretty, the proud, and the pure'. Sometimes, doubts race in, replacing areas that once stood sure. Like the day I saw him turn to go to his home. I turned in behind him and followed him into his driveway. He was not aware of me following him until we exited our vehicles. Old acquaintances, happy to see one another; we quickly exchanged warm greetings. In short order, he invited me in, and I said "no". In short order, he said, "My wife left me in August". In short order, I then said, "Let's go inside". He was an old friend that I had not seen in quite a long time. He felt comfortable with me, not needing to lie, "I'm just fine". He spoke of misunderstandings, and the financial wows were evident. There was so much pain that was easy to see. In short order, I could tell that he could not let it go, or just let it be. He could not wait to share it all with me. It did not take long for me to feel my friend's hurt and misery. His kids, now all grown up; his wife, now has left him. He is now living all alone in their home which, in short order, would soon be taken over by the bank. I was indeed experiencing with my friend a cold, dark, and empty house of pain. No matter how badly I wanted and wished to do more, there simply was nothing more that I could do but listen, love, and pray. The rest was up to God who specializes in rebuilding our houses of pain. Yes, I shall not forget that memorable day my friend and I sat and talked in his house of pain. Written 11232009, Houses of Pain, Posted 10162017 PS