Free Miss Katie's Rosewood by Michael Phillips Page B

whole of Jesus’ life and teaching can be summed up in five simple words— Not my will but yours . You can pray that same prayer in a moment. Then God will show you what He wants you to do.”
    â€œIt doesn’t seem like enough.”
    â€œIt is a beginning, therefore it is everything.”
    â€œThat’s all there is to it?”
    â€œThat all is everything. It is no small all —the repentance of the prodigal and the forgiveness of the Father.”
    â€œAnd then what?”
    â€œBegin to think differently,” replied Robert.
    â€œAbout what?”
    â€œAbout yourself and about God, about who you are to Him and what He is to you. Begin to think of Him as your good and loving Father, and of yourself as His rebellious child who has decided to begin obeying Him. Ask Him to show you yourself as you are. Continue, as you have, to ask His forgiveness for the wrong you have done. Then do your best to accept His forgiveness—though this may be the hardest thing of all—and to realize that He loves you in spite of what you have done.”
    Teague nodded.
    â€œYou cannot make restitution for your sin out in the world,” said Robert, “to those you have hurt. You are right—it is too late for that. But you can make restitution in your heart and ask God to take care of those you have hurt. Ask Him to show you how. Pray for them and ask God to bring goodness to their lives. If there is anyone you hold a grudge against, you must forgive him as you have asked God to forgive you. In all these ways you will be doing your part to help God make a beginning in you.”
    â€œYou mean people like you . . . your family?” said Teague. “Should I pray for the people I killed?”
    â€œYou can do that, but especially pray for their loved ones. And pray for yourself, that God will continue to change the attitudes in your own heart. Pray to be given deep love for them. It is never too late for that. Forgiveness and life can blossom in an instant.”
    â€œI see,” nodded Teague humbly.
    â€œTurn your cruelty into compassion. Turn killing into life. Turn evil into good. Turn bitterness into forgiveness. Turn defiance into submission. Turn hatred into love. All this you can do in your heart. You can ask Jesus to help you. He will come into your heart himself and help you.”
    â€œHow does He do that?”
    â€œHe made a promise before He died that His own Spirit would come to dwell within us. That is a remarkable thing when you think about it. He can help us become God’s obedient children from the inside. He can work a miracle of healing within you. There may be just one day, but that is enough time for God’s miracle. A day is an eternity for God.”
    Teague sighed and smiled a thin smile. “It is a lot to think about,” he said.
    â€œYou will remember what God wants you to remember. He will bring what we have talked about back to your mind.”
    â€œI hope you’re right.”
    â€œBy such beginnings, you will be ready to meet Himtomorrow. You will be able to say to Him, I’m sorry I didn’t come to you sooner, Father. I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am not worthy to be called your son. But if you will help me, I want to become your son . And then He will say, Oh, my dear boy . . . you have indeed been a prodigal. But all that is behind us now. Welcome home! ”
    Again Teague began to weep.
    â€œIn short,” Robert concluded, “in the time you have left, talk to God and do what He shows you to do. Ask for His help. Talk to Him as a Father. Let Him whisper into your heart. Prepare to meet Him as a wayward son returning home to His Father’s house. That will be the best possible use of a day you have ever had in your life.”
    â€œI will try, Paxton . . . with God’s help, I will try.”
    Robert smiled. He sat awhile longer, but knew he had said enough. When Teague’s