Peter jumped out of the truck to unhinge her car; it was useful to have a big truck that could perform multiple functions. He looked up in the sky and saw the eagle flying around. He decided to wait a few moments; he did have to ask Jimmy to open up the Mission House. He knew they were going to need the shelter today; they were going to need God's mercy. He wasn't a preacher; they would probably need a Pastor too.
So many things to think about ... Peter decided he should just take it one step at a time ...
Peter put a grimace on his face. "How much? How much? Do you know how much time it took to go out of my way to bring her here, to get this car here?"
He paused, letting the awkward silence settle in first. Then he said:
"Nothing! It cost me absolutely nothing! The Lord told me to do it ... and when the Lord shows mercy on you and then expects you to show mercy on other people ... well ... you do what you're told" Peter said while fumbling with his truck.
"And Jim; you're not going to believe this. The Lord told me not to sell my stuff in town today; instead He was very clear to me. The town needs this stuff; it needs to be placed at the mission. There's a storm coming." He opened the bed of the truck and showed it off to Jim like Vanna White showing off a letter.
"But the Lord never stopped caring for me" Peter responded. "And that's where the difference lies."
Peter debated in himself on whether or not to tell Jim about his morning events. All he could do was try; he closed the bed of his truck and locked the side latchet.
"You won't believe me when I say this morning, this is my 2nd chance. I don't know how else to say this; but somehow I initially drove by Lorena. A whole bunch of things happened to me, Sheriff. I'm not sure I can explain it all. All I know is, God's Spirit basically told my spirit to get with the program and that I can't drive by Lorena because of this storm that is coming. I also feel very strongly that Lorena needs healing; so, if she wants to - I think her helping at the mission would be very helpful."
He looked straight into Jimmy's eyes to show him he was serious. "I know the weather said clear; I'm positive we're getting a snow storm like we've not seen before. We need the mission house open and we need a Spirit filled Preacher."
Jim shined a light in Lorena's back seat and floor boards, checking for drugs or weapons. He opened the truck and glove compartments, but all he could see was an empty tank of gas and one tattered bag of clothes.
"Well, Lorena is staying at the mission until I can make sure she is legitimately different. If you want to unload the half with her I think will spoil before we need it, and stay there with her while it is open, I trust you. Ill help unload the stuff I know we will eventually use, but I am going home unless a storm hits. It is Christmas Eve." He said with a laugh. "You have lost your mind Peter James, but I like this you a lot better. I appreciate your contribution and I want to make sure and let this town know what a changed man you are." He smiled big, unlocking his police car. "But I am still not helping you unload items just to spoil." He said, putting his burly arm around his shoulder and giving him an Indian burn. "And you will have to be the spirit filled preacher. Pastor Scott is on vacation and we are having the nativity play."
Peter prayed for Lorena on the way to the general grocery store. He hoped she was doing well. He turned on the radio for a moment, but got a lot of static. Once he reached the general store, he put together a box of goodies. "I'll just put some toys and some food items in this box." But then he felt bad, he felt there might be a need for some fur. So he put fur in another box and then felt bad some more. People might need some gloves and handwarmers, especially today. Before he knew it, he had three big boxes which he piled on top of each other and headed into the store.
He knew the owner; he was usually very rough with the owner over the past few years, insisting that he pay his bills on time. On the few occasions that the owner couldn't keep up, he would charge interest to delay to the next month. But Peter decided that was the old Peter; the new Peter sees that the owner is just trying to take care of their family and be a good parent.
Still, he wanted to surprise them.
"I'm here ..." he said, this time with a scowl on his face. "I've brought these three boxes of goodies for you ... but, did you get the money from last month's sales? You're outstanding by a month" he said, pretending and tapping his foot while putting the heavy boxes on the counter.
The fact is, they were beautiful people who never seemed to be able to catch up ... at least for him, he planned on catching them up today no matter what they said.
Peter gave another scowl and looked directly at him. "Well ... good! I'm glad you have my money, it will save me having to just give it back to you. Keep it! And these supplies, I'm giving to you for this month, free. No payment necessary; I think you are going to need to have some on hand. Now don't argue with me, if you can't use them - then just give them away."
Peter looked like he was about to walk out, but turned and said, "I do expect, however, next month a new batch of home made chocolate chip cookies by the Mrs. because hers are my favorite. Merry Christmas, George."
"I think there's going to be a huge turnout for tonight's nativity" Peter said. "The Lord be with you two!" Walking out the door, he couldn't quite figure out why the date, 1984, popped into his mind. No matter.
But as he walked back to his truck, he noticed an older gentleman just sitting by a town flagpole. He looked cold and hungry. He didn't recognize him; there were occasional homeless that lived in town. But really in a place like this, he would basically be mobbed by townsfolk. He went into his truck and pulled out a couple of sandwiches and apple pies and a bottle of water. He brought them over to the gentleman and said "Here's a meal for you, sir. Merry Christmas."
"Why thank you sir." He said, Canteberry is an alright town. "I was headed to the shelter actualyl. Just needed to rest a bit. Big storm up North. Just jumped off the cargo train."
Peter thought he would take this opportunity to offer him a ride to the Mission since that is where he was going to be headed next. The gentleman took a walk with him back to the truck. "Of course, helping me unload some of this at the mission would be mighty helpful. My name's Peter."
The radio squawked an alarm, but the static made it hard to hear. "Be notified storm amounts will begin at 12 - 16 inches and will in at least 3 feet. Counties to be hit hardest would be ..." But he could hardly hear the counties, but he knew it was coming. He increased speed on his truck to head back to the mission.
"Well Thomas; I hope you're not doubting that we are really going to need your help at the Mission tonight." The truck pulled into the driveway of the mission and Peter turned to Thomas. Peter noticed hardly a car here, he wasn't sure where everyone was.
"Okay, this is the mission. Empty your pockets now, I have to know you're clean ..."
Peter wasn't sure what made him say that, he just knew this was part of protocol.
@Mayflower1 Peter patted Jim on his back in affirmation. Opening the back of his truck, there were supplies all in the bed of the truck. "Thomas and I will help, just lead us where to put everything Jim" Peter stated.
There were all kinds of wares; blankets; pillows; food items. There was some dry ice holding the colder perishables. There were crates holding bread items and pastries. There were toys of various kinds for Christmas, some big, some small, a bunch from Mennonites as no matter what mood Peter was in, he always found he likes simple toys from the country side!
"Welcome to your new family" was suddenly a flash of words that came upon Peter's heart. It was as if the Holy Spirit was working on his heart and brought these words up to the forefront of his mind. He continued working.
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