Family—A Divine Gift—And, A Gift To The Divine

Judgment Day--MV Conversation Continues

“Shit; this is really uncomfortable,” I replied

"You did get it, didn't you?" responded MV

"Yeah, it came like a falling brick,” I said. “That's when I found out that
to serve God, raising a family was enough. It was then that I made up my
mind to stop talking the gibberish that nobody could understand anyway,
find a wife, and raise a family. I didn't know what it took to be a parent—let
alone a good parent, but I was ready to try. Actually, the adage `ignorance is
bliss,' when it comes to starting a family, is probably the best plan
of action. There are other ways to serve God, of course, but for most,
being a successful parent is as God-centered as it gets. I was a slow
learner, though, but at least I didn't run off when the going got
tough. My family, for the most part, was a divine gift—and, right back at you,
a gift to the divine. That, for me, was my saving grace."

"And all those memories were good?" replied MV.

"Absolutely," I said. "That was the turning point for me. It's to
bad family gets taken for granted far too often."

"Your words belie the truth," responded MV, "For many, family is a
burden. Not that's that bad for me—its fertile ground! You
managed to get through it, though, and I got no thanks whatsoever."

"What!" I exclaimed. "Are you saying that somehow you did it? You
want credit for my family. I think not! I forced you out of my mind
long ago because, quite frankly, I didn't have time for you. Don't
tell me I owe you. That's absurd. If this is the end, if my time is
up, then bring it on. I'm ready; but I owe you nothing!"

"At least for now, perhaps," responded MV, "but going quietly into that
`last night' is quite an accomplishment all by itself. And you
wouldn't be ready for didley squat without me. When I first came along you
were wasted on drugs, and about to be pummeled into unconsciousness by
that butch son-of-a-bitch. If I remember correctly, your life was on
the fast track to a dreary end. Without my assistance, you would have
ended up nose down in a mud, rock-gut in your belly, and the whisper
of a wasted life on your lips. Come on, admit it!"

"Maybe."

"Maybe, nothing," replied MV, "I'm your savior and you're not man
enough to admit it! Ever ask yourself, `Why me?' Why did a mediocre
kid succeed, where others, many others, failed?"

"Luck I suppose," I said. "It's true in the lottery, why not here?"

"We're not talking lottery," replied MV. "Death is not a game!
However, maybe, just maybe you do deserve some credit; after all, it
was your life. I'm feeling charitable. Tell you what, I'll give you
more time, but remember, what I give I can also take away! Let's see,
what exactly is this all about, what did you accomplish anyway? You
tell me, where do we begin?"