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PROGRAM D-8492
This is an on-going fictional story of a woman who is learning to practice the presence of Jesus in her life. On this particular Monday morning, Fran is feeling sorry for herself because she’s a single mom with two kids to raise by herself, and envying her friend, Elinor, who has a husband and a nice house. As she and Jesus drive to work, Fran is thinking about how easy Elinor has it compared to her, when the thought comes to her, “Phone Elinor and get together with her.”
“Okay, I will,” she says. Later Fran leaves a message at Elinor’s school and just before time to leave, she gets a return call. “Elinor,” she says, “I was just thinking how long it’s been since we got together and talked, like we used to. I was hoping we could find a time for dinner or something—just to catch up.”
Elinor seems eager to get together and they set up a date for Thursday evening. Thursday arrives and Fran gets to the restaurant on time, but has to wait almost 30 minutes before Elinor joins her.
“I’m so sorry I’m late,” Elinor says as she rushes in out of breath. “I tried to get out of the house, but had to get Rick’s dinner and the kids…well, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Fran replies. “I’ve got a sitter and it’s a rare night out for me. So, I’m in no rush.”
After ordering, Fran starts the normal chit-chat conversation. “How’s everything with the family, Elinor? Your kids are so big now. Rick’s job still going well?”
“Yeah, okay…” Elinor drops her eyes, but looks up with a forced smile. “Everything’s fine, Fran. How about you?”
Jesus whispers in Fran’s ears, “Isn’t it amazing how often people say, ‘Everything’s fine’ when it isn’t?” And that prompts Fran to say, “Are you sure everything’s fine?”
“Oh, Fran, I shouldn’t complain to you. I mean, you’ve got it much worse than I do, being alone without Jim. No, really, I’m okay,” Elinor tries to brush it off but Fran insists.
“Just because I’m a widow doesn’t mean I can’t listen to my friends. Come on, talk to me.”
“Well,” Elinor slowly responds, “it’s just Rick’s attitude toward me and all the household responsibilities. When I went back to teaching this year, I thought he’d pitch in and help. But everything is just like it was before I went to work, and we end up in lots of fights about it. That’s why I was late tonight. I asked him to fix the kid’s dinner—all he had to do was warm it up—and see they did their homework. But he said he was tired.”
And for the next half hour Fran listens as Elinor tells of the marital problems she and Rick are having over this issue.