The Room

::by Joshua Harris::

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.

As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards.. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at."

Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents Often there were many more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived....

Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting.. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.

One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards.

But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand..
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him... Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response.. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.

Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive.

The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

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Oh my God in Heaven, how wonderful are Your ways! You know exactly what I need and when I need it. Your ways are higher than our ways and even through the fire - take heart and know, God is in control.

I'm not ashamed to admit that this really, and I mean REALLY, hit me when I read it. I am a Christian, but I am afraid that I won't have many cards in my drawer that's labeled "People I've Shared the Gospel With." Lord help me be a light in this world of darkness.

family, family, and more family

Last weekend, the kids and I went up to Clarke County for the Baugh-Danzey Family Reunion. My great-great-grandfather and great-great-grandmother (whom I never knew, of course) were Robert S. Baugh and Annie Laura Danzey Baugh. Their children include my Granny, and my two great-aunts and two great-uncles (one of whom was killed in WWII when his plane crashed. My Granny had five kids - my 3 uncles, my mom, and my aunt. Mom had big brother, me, and little brother, and now I have D and B.

I don't really have a huge family by any means, but I have more relatives than I really remember and know. We had a good turnout at the reunion. Pretty much all of the cousins that I know (except for a few) were not able to come because they all live too far away and/or had prior obligations. It's nice to get together with family. It's even nicer when you are getting together because you just want to, and not because of a funeral or something! I like that most of my family is kind of close together in geographical location. Some of us don't live that close, but for the most part, they all live within an hour of each other. I just think that's nice.

Family is important. I mean, we all have spats with our family and we all get on each others' nerves every once in a while. It's understandable. But there are some who forget the value of a tight family relationship. Even if you disagree or have an argument, you should always be there to support your family, especially in times of need. When a family member needs a helping hand or a listening ear, we should be willing to provide it if we are able. If you have a strong family background and a supportive family background, it is a lot easier to accomplish the goals you may have. Knowing you have the support of your family can help give you the courage to take a step of faith. You know God will always be there and His loving hands will hold you all the while, but it is an added bonus to know that you have family that will care and be there for you too.

I don't really know where I'm going with all this. Family has just been on my mind lately and I just wanted to share its importance.

Anywho... here are a few pictures from the reunion - Enjoy!