NEXTTHE GAME
In a small mountain village, a son was born to a loving father and mother. They thanked God for their precious gift and they did a fine job of raising the boy into his manhood. The father was especially proud and he had lovingly provided for the boys needs. He also enjoyed spending time with the boy teaching him all that he could. The father had played a game with his own father that he passed on to his son. The son loved the game as did his father. His father would pick up sweets and treats from the market and he would hide them in an old mason jar near the spring, where water was drawn. He would bury it about 6 inches deep and cover the spot well with leaves and twigs, blending the secret location into the natural surroundings. You wouldn't be able to find it unless you had clues about the location. The father would mention the word puzzle, somewhere in casual talk, and the boy knew to start searching for the clues that his father would leave in unusual places. The son would collect every clue that he could find and listen intently at every word his father spoke. In time he would have enough clues to start the search, but sometimes it took him months to find his buried treasure.
The father grew old and his adored wife had long since passed, leaving him alone to do much thinking in the cottage on the mountain. The son returned quite often to spend time with his aged father and they discussed many things, mostly life and God. They were both perplexed over lifes mysteries and the father had told his son that no one had the answers and never would. The son agreed, for he believed that his father was the wisest man he knew. Well, the old man's life was nearing it's end and he sent a letter to his son, informing him that the time was near. While the old man waited for his son to arrive, he lay in his bed and read his bible. He gave much thought to many questions and he prayed for some answers. He thought, too, of his love for his son and he chuckled out loud at the fun he and his son had playing the game. He turned his attention back to his questions, trying to satisfy his mind, before his death. He happened upon a passage that made him cry with great joy. He underlined it in red ink and then hurridly wrote a note to his son. When he had finished the note, he placed it into the pages of his bible, closed it and placed it under his pillow. He lay his head on the pillow, he sighed with great relief, smiled and then died peacefully.
After his father's funeral, the son returned to go through his father's many things and found the bible underneath the pillow. He opened it to find the note and the red underlined verse. The note read, "Son, I must tell you that your questions can be answered! It's too late for me to find my answers, but it's not too late for you! God loves us all, even more than a human father loves his own children. Remember the game? I'll give you some clues. Ready? Have I loved you, son? Did I provide for your needs? Would I ever refuse to answer your questions? Would I hide your treasure, give you no clues and never allow you to find it? Seek until you find it, son! Always, your loving father."
Proverbs 2:1-5 "My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God."
Story by Felecia
