Harry and his father arrived at the airport and found Tommy sitting impatiently on one of his large suitcases playing an electronic video game. Next to him was a well-dressed lady with a pleasant smile.
Harry ran ahead of his father to greet Tommy and by the time Harry's father reached them, Harry was beginning to pick up luggage. Tommy looked shocked and blurted out, "Harry, let the baggage carriers do that!" But Harry continued to gather them up and replied, "I can do it."
"You must be Miss Guardiola?" Harry's father asked.
The smiling lady responded confidently, "Yes, I'm Tommy's escort. And you must be Harry's father. I'm very pleased to meet you." With that, she stepped forward with an outstretched hand.
Her self-confidence made Harry's father uneasy. He had always felt awkward, even cautious, around attractive women, especially since his wife's passing five years earlier.
"Harry and I are very happy to have Tommy come live with us."
"I - ," Miss Guardiola paused noticeably before continuing, "we will all miss Tommy. Here's my office phone number and address if you have any questions. I wish that I could stay longer, but Tommy's father insisted that his personal plane return as quickly as possible."
Miss Guardiola gave young Tommy an affectionate hug, said goodbye with a bit of a quiver in her voice, and hurried off.
Tommy watched in amazement as Harry and his father loaded his many bags into their small car. On the drive to Harry's home, Tommy asked why they didn't have servants do such work. Harry tried to explain that it wasn't difficult and said, "In our country, we try to do things for ourselves."
Tommy was quiet - too quiet - on the long drive from the airport to Harry's small home in the country. Mealtime and preparation for bed was equally quiet.
As usual, Harry's father selected a book and asked, "Shall I read from the animal stories book?"
"Oh great," said Harry. "They're some of my favorite stories."
"Okay," said Tommy, but wondered what an 'animal stories book' was.
Harry's father began to read.
"I liked the story, Dad," said Harry.
"I don't get it," said Tommy.
Harry's father smiled, set the book back on the shelf, and turned to Tommy. "Well, that's okay. I think what it's trying to tell us is how good people can see things differently. And that it's okay."
Tommy nodded.
"Tommy," continued Harry's father, "in our home we also read from the Bible and then say an evening prayer together. Do you mind joining us?"
"That's fine." said Tommy. "I often say prayers with Miss Guardiola."
Harry quickly and smoothly read that evening's scripture.
Harry's father said a short prayer.
"Harry, remember to write in your journal before turning out the light. Good night, boys."
"Good night," chimed the boys in unison.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Devotional
[ ] Journal - Write in your Journal
[ ] Scripture - Matthew 3:13-15
[ ] Hymn - God Is Love
[ ] Prayer - To Heavenly Father
