The Problem with Dreams

Chapter 57 - Twenty-Eight Weeks

Friday started early the next morning, much earlier than most days when Greg didn't work. Susan was up and in the shower a full hour earlier than she usually was, dressing carefully and applying her make up when Greg came in to use the shower.

"Are you sure we have to leave this early?" Greg wondered.

"We do because I'm Dr. Daniel's first appointment of the day, and we have to take Jessie to school today. Today is their holiday assembly at school, and she has to take her letter for her class's song with her. I promised to drop her off so she doesn't have to take it on the bus," Susan explained.

"What time is your appointment?" Greg checked turned the water on in the shower and reached in to adjust the temperature.

"Eight-thirty," Susan answered.

"When is Jessie's assembly?"

"At one. The decorator will be here at ten thirty. The Murphy bed installers will be here in the afternoon, probably between three and five, but they promised to call this morning to confirm. Mom's going to take the message and let us know," Susan said.

"What about the dining room furniture? When does it come?" Greg asked.

"Today. We don't know what time. Again, they're supposed to call, but we'll probably be out, so Mom will get the information and call me on my cell," Susan said.

Greg arched his brow as he dropped his pajamas to the floor and prepared to step into the shower. "It's a good thing you got me up. Today is going to be a very busy day."

"Yes, it is," Susan said as she turned to kiss him on the cheek as he stood there nude. "I'll go get the kids up. See you in the kitchen."

Greg nodded, watching as Susan closed the bathroom door behind her, leaving him to shower in privacy.

c

By the time Greg got to the kitchen, everyone else was up, dressed and seated at the table for breakfast. Susan was just offering up their mealtime prayer as he sat down, and he joined them in saying "Amen," when she finished.

"Papa, are you allowed to say 'Amen' if you're not there at the beginning?" Jessie demanded.

"I don't see why not," Greg told her.

"Well, if you're not praying too, how does God know who you're talking to?" Jessie asked.

Susan cocked her head with a small smile. "She has a point, Greg."

Greg arched his brow. "All my prayers are directed to our Lord in heaven. I don't need to say it aloud for that to be true. Remember Jessie, prayers said aloud are only the outward expression of prayers prayed in our hearts, and that's what counts, not the recitation of specific words."

Jessie studied him for a moment and nodded. "So on the inside, you told God you were praying to him?"

"Yes, I suppose I did. The Lord and I have an understanding. He knows when I'm listening, and he knows on whom my heart and mind are focused when I pray ... even during a mealtime prayer with the family," Greg explained.

"Oooh," Jessie answered with a hint of awe in her tone. "Mama, do you do that too?"

"Humm, good question Jessie," Susan said. "I think I usually say in my heart and mind who I'm directing my prayers to."

"Why?" Jessie asked. "Is that because of Jesus?"

"Yes, I suppose it is. Not because I pray to Him generally, but I do talk things over with Him. It's more of a conversation than the sorts of things I say as part of a prayer of thanksgiving or worship." Susan leaned forward, studying the cereal in Jessie's bowl. "Come on, eat up Jess. You don't want to be late for school. Remember, we have to take you early because of your letter."