The Gates of Hell

As was his custom before Diana had passed away, he returned to taking a morning walk with prayer a few days after her funeral. When Diana was in her final weeks, he had taken much shorter walks than usual. But now he was free to return to walking several miles and having protracted talks with his heavenly Father. He had a long list of things he talked about with God, and he followed that up with a prolonged period of quiet reflection and a listening spirit—in case the Lord had something specific for him. One morning in particular, he was listening intently for guidance but instead heard only the birds as he walked a trail through a nearby wooded area. He desperately wanted to hear that still small voice speaking Deep to deep but all he got was the sounds of nature. Dejected, he turned around and made his way back to the house—the lonely, quiet house. Nearly to his driveway and the sidewalk up to his house, he heard the voice of his neighbor, Gordon Ellis, calling to him. Gordon was the closest neighbor and one who often offered conversation and a listening ear to Tom during the painful time of caring for Diana. Many a time he would walk up Tom’s porch steps to give a plate of food for Tom’s supper. Gordon’s wife, April, would also bake some delicious desserts and send Gordon over with a serving or two in an attempt to provide neighborly care for Tom. It was not unusual for Tom and Gordon to have a lengthy conversation on the front porch while rocking on his glider. Gordon would get the conversation started and then let Tom take it wherever it needed to go. Gordon knew Tom needed a sounding board for his thoughts. Quite frequently during their conversations Tom’s random thoughts came spilling out with an equal quantity of tears. Gordon helped Tom on the day Diana passed away by assisting in helping him with the many arrangements and decisions. They hadn’t been close friends, but Gordon was the only friend who seemed to have the time and desire to offer his assistance. But this day was different. Gordon had a bit of news that might be just the ticket to help Tom get on with the rest of his life. “Tom, my friend, what are your short- and long-term plans? Can you share with me what you have been wondering about?”