The Cost Of The Kingdom
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series III, Cycle C
"Brooke, are you aware of the demands that will be placed on you? Can you handle them? Are you sure this is what you want?" Brooke's father was worried about her. She had been invited to run a relief organization's support office in another country. It would mean long hours; it would mean little personal time. Brooke was only 23.
Brooke was confident in her abilities. She had been a chair of a service organization and two clubs in both high school and college. She was often sought out for her opinions: she was a natural leader. She majored in international business and was eager to try some of the theories she had learned and see how other organizations ran their operations. She was not married or involved: this was a good time in her life for this adventure.
Brooke started her assignment. She was able to watch the seasons change from hot and long summer days to crisp, cold autumn days to bitter cold, dreary, short winter days. She was eager to get to know as much of the local and regional operations as possible. She traveled much, visiting other offices and colleagues she wanted to meet. It was exciting.
She learned to ski, snowshoe, and play squash and lacrosse. She learned to knit and embroider from an elderly neighbor with whom she enjoyed visiting and chatting. She visited museums, art galleries, and exhibits. Her life was full.
But her life was also lonely. Some days were very long and lonely -- especially holidays. Brooke was making acquaintances in her field, but they weren't nearby and they didn't have the familiarity that long-time friends do. And the elderly neighbor was a gem, but she visited her family during holidays. Brooke was in a slump, but she was also determined to stick it out.
There was an advantage to being alone that Brooke found intriguing. If you don't know many people, you are forced to ask for information, directions, and suggestions. And so in time Brooke was able to start making friends around the little town. She invited people over and found invitations returned.
She ran a tight office with good communication. Her staff did an excellent job supporting the main office. It was obvious that Brooke spent much time with her staff and colleagues.
Brooke was happy, yet she missed her family. Her mother died while she was overseas. She regretted that she was never able to say goodbye. Her father's health was failing and her brother was getting a divorce. Brooke felt as if she had missed too much of her family's life. She decided to go back to the States.
It was a very difficult decision for Brooke. She had been overseas for almost ten years, but she knew it was time to move on. Much was given to her, much was expected from her, but much was gained.
Brooke was confident in her abilities. She had been a chair of a service organization and two clubs in both high school and college. She was often sought out for her opinions: she was a natural leader. She majored in international business and was eager to try some of the theories she had learned and see how other organizations ran their operations. She was not married or involved: this was a good time in her life for this adventure.
Brooke started her assignment. She was able to watch the seasons change from hot and long summer days to crisp, cold autumn days to bitter cold, dreary, short winter days. She was eager to get to know as much of the local and regional operations as possible. She traveled much, visiting other offices and colleagues she wanted to meet. It was exciting.
She learned to ski, snowshoe, and play squash and lacrosse. She learned to knit and embroider from an elderly neighbor with whom she enjoyed visiting and chatting. She visited museums, art galleries, and exhibits. Her life was full.
But her life was also lonely. Some days were very long and lonely -- especially holidays. Brooke was making acquaintances in her field, but they weren't nearby and they didn't have the familiarity that long-time friends do. And the elderly neighbor was a gem, but she visited her family during holidays. Brooke was in a slump, but she was also determined to stick it out.
There was an advantage to being alone that Brooke found intriguing. If you don't know many people, you are forced to ask for information, directions, and suggestions. And so in time Brooke was able to start making friends around the little town. She invited people over and found invitations returned.
She ran a tight office with good communication. Her staff did an excellent job supporting the main office. It was obvious that Brooke spent much time with her staff and colleagues.
Brooke was happy, yet she missed her family. Her mother died while she was overseas. She regretted that she was never able to say goodbye. Her father's health was failing and her brother was getting a divorce. Brooke felt as if she had missed too much of her family's life. She decided to go back to the States.
It was a very difficult decision for Brooke. She had been overseas for almost ten years, but she knew it was time to move on. Much was given to her, much was expected from her, but much was gained.
