I need to tell you a story. Actually it really happened and I would not like it to happen to anyone else.

Last Sunday I was at church like usual and when it came time for the call for salvation at the end I thought no, I can wait. I have all the time in the world. I mean I do good things, I listen to my folks and teachers and hey, I actually like school.

Why would I need to go ask God for forgiveness when I kind of ask for it anyway when I do slip up a little and yell or even swear. I mean, I never do drugs or anything really bad. I'm not like some kids at school.

So I sat there "praying" like all those around me and waited while the pastor gave the call again. A few went forward for prayer. The choir was singing and then he gave one final call and actually said, "this could be your last chance."

After church I started home and decided to get a bite to eat and drink. I'm 16 by the way and just got my driver's license. Cool huh! Even my folks say I'm very responsible for my age.

Whoa, that car came out of nowhere. I better concentrate a little more and stay clear of that driver. Who knows what he's been drinking or for that matter what he's thinking about. He sure isn't paying attention to the road.

Man, I wish he would stay in his lane and quit this in and out, all over the road business. Here's my chance to pass and get out of his way. Maybe I can get in front of him in the other lane. What the … hey mister look out … no … mom … dad …

Screech … tires screeched and metal crashed …

Where am I? Don't tell me? What a minute. Who is that? Why are there all these voices moaning and crying? I actually feel like I'm floating or something. That can't be.

But listen up. You guessed it. I missed my chance and have no more. Off in the distance I can still hear the pastor's words, "this could be your last chance." Don't make the same mistake I did.

Kathy Ayling © 2000

Were you there … Did you see Him? I'll never forget His face. After all, I was one of the soldiers who took Him the night before. We had our orders and followed through, even if some of us did not really understand it at all. Things happened so fast, some of it is a blur. Some men laughed and mocked Him. When they flogged Him, I could hardly stand it.

Then and this is still hard for me to believe, one soldier crafted a crown of thorns and placed it on His head. I wanted to go over to Him and wipe off the blood; to give Him a drink, something, anything to ease His suffering. But no, all I did was silently pray.

The trial, what a farce! It was over so fast and then Barabas was set free. It was then that He made the walk, carrying that huge wooden cross all the way. Again, following orders, I followed along  silently praying that something would happen. He walked ever so slowly, each step it seemed was agony; through the crowded streets and on towards the hill. Large groups followed, some crying quietly, others jeering Him.

In my mind, I counted His steps … 51, 52, 53, 54 and on and on and on it went. After what seemed like hours … His walk was complete. This is where it was too end. He was thrown down and placed on the cross, there for all to see. Again you could hear, the crying and jeering. He asked for water once; they mocked Him still.

Then His voice, for all to hear: Father forgive them for they know not what they do. It is finished! His body was removed carefully and almost reverently, I made sure of that. The family placed Him in a tomb. I was one of the soldiers placed there to guard Him, Because they were afraid His body would be stolen.

What excitement,  after three days the stone had been rolled away! Silently rejoicing I saw only the grave clothes. He had risen just as He had said He would. He was alive … He was alive … He was alive!

Kathy Ayling © 2001