Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 140 - Singing, Plans, and Borrowing Things

Dinner was ready and waiting when Greg arrived home. So were Susan, Jessie and Melody.

"Is Zack working?" Greg asked as he surveyed who was at the dinner table while waiting to say the blessing.

"Until the store closes, then he's going out with Kelly," Susan said.

"At Radioshack?" Greg wondered.

"For the time being. He says he isn't going to quit until he's sure about the job at Target," Susan said.

"Very wise," Greg said. "Shall we begin?"

"Yes, Papa. The sun is down. It is time to pray," Jessie told him.

"So it is," Greg agreed.

The entire family prayed, observing the end of the Sabbath before they sat down. Then to no one's surprise, Melody sang. No one interrupted her this time as they often did. Instead Greg, Susan, and Jessie stood listening, enthralled to hear her singing before they ate.

"Melody, why do you always sing after you pray?" Jessie wanted to know as they sat down.

"Father said," Melody told her.

"He told you that? That you're supposed to sing?" Jessie asked.

Melody shook her head. "No. Not supposed to. Just that He likes it. He likes singing ... like me. I sing for Him all the time at home."

"I can believe it," Greg remarked.

"You too, Papa. You should sing," Melody told him.

"I am learning to sing," Greg reminded her.

"Sing more. Sing for Father. Sing for His people so they can hear," Melody admonished. "Practice so you can sing with the faithful when you come home."

"I will do my best," Greg promised.

"You too, Momma," Melody told Susan.

"I do sing, Melody. Not professionally and not as often as you, but I sing in church. I sing when I garden. I sing around the house occasionally. Sometimes I even sing with you and Jessie," Susan reminded her.

"Good sing," Melody said.

Greg cocked his head. "Apparently Melody believes the Lord would be pleased if we were to become a musical family."

"Sing at home," Melody said earnestly. "When you come, sing with me."

It was Susan's turn to arch a brow. "You sing with the angels in heaven. Do you sing with the Lord's faithful too?"

"Sing with all those who stay home," Melody told her seriously. "Like Papa Simeon."

Greg looked at her in surprise, amazed to hear her mention an actual name.

"Those who stay home ... those souls who have succeeded?" Greg wondered. "Souls like Simeon, who have accomplished the task set for them by the Lord here on Earth?"

Melody grinned. From her expression, Greg got the distinct impression she was delighted he finally understood. Melody's imperative to sing had more to do with how certain souls would serve the Almighty in the afterlife than it did the here and now. Apparently she thought it was necessary to practice, to be comfortable serving in a way one could continue for all eternity. To be ready.

Greg found himself feeling more astonished than he ever did before. He always knew the barrier between the heavens and the earth was thin when it came to Melody. But now, as her day to go home approached, it seemed it was becoming thinner still. One day soon he suspected, she would simply step into it, staying in the place she'd earned as a member of the Lord's choir rather than just talking about it here on Earth.