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Early Birds

By Janetta Fudge-Messmer

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“You want to do what in an RV?” Betsy couldn’t believe her husband’s pronouncement. And out of the blue, no less.
“I want to retire and travel around in an RV,” Ben put down the morning paper as he repeated the bombshell. Then smiled when he reached down and picked up their 13-pound pooch. “Matilda, tell your mama you want to see the U.S.A. in a Chevrolet…or maybe a Ford dually, pulling a 5er.”
“Lord, is this really You? An RV, of all things.
Betsy could only stare at Ben after his out-of-character comment. Then she countered with, “But honey, you can’t quit your job. You’re only 59 years old.”
“Matilda and I have been talkin—”
“Okay, Benjamin Stevenson, I’ve heard it all now. You’re telling me you and our dog have been discussing our long-range plans.” Betsy shook her head, hoping this would wake her up from the bizarre dream unfolding in front of her.
Ben placed his two hands on Matilda’s black and white head and turned her to face Betsy. “Mom, you and Dad should quit your jobs and spend more time with me.”
Betsy couldn’t help but laugh at Ben when he pretended to talk through their newly-acquired Boston terrier mix.
“Matilda told me she wants us to retire, sell our house and buy an RV.”
“And I’m going to take you to the doctor this afternoon.” Betsy dried her hands on the yellow towel, hanging on the oven. “Because you’ve been working way too hard.”
“That’s exactly right and why I should quit my job so I can spend more time with my girls. Think about it. Now we can travel around in an RV with Rose and Larry.”
Half of Betsy’s insides shouted, “He’s gone off the deep end.” The other half screamed, “Hallelujah. My prayers have been answered. He’s finally come to his senses and wants to quit his job.”
“…and another thing, Bets, look at all the material our retirement and subsequent travels would give you for your writing.”
Betsy nodded her head. “Mr. B. we’ll discuss this later. Right now I need some time to think and pray about all of this.”
“Important we get the Lord’s take on it. I’ll take Matilda out for her morning walk.” Ben opened the front door and turned. “Betsy, so you know, I’ve been praying about this for a while. It’s like He’s putting everything into place.”
Except the part where you tell your wife what is going on.
Betsy watched her husband close the door then rushed into her office. First thing on the agenda, call Rose. Her best friend, who’d been bugging them to hit the road, would want to know the latest development.
Ever since the Wilford’s bought their 5th wheel a couple of years ago, they’d hounded them to get one too. Rose commented the other day, “Wouldn’t it be fun—the four of us, crisscrossing this great land of ours?”
“Rosie, you might have gotten your wish.”
The fourth ring told Betsy that Rose either lost her phone or ventured out for the day. No need to leave a message. Her friend would check in when she got back from who knew where. While Betsy had the phone in her hand she called her mom, getting the same result.
No one’s home for me to tell our earth-shattering news to.
This time she left a message—a very vague one. No need to give her mom a heart attack. Betsy hung up and did her usual when exciting, or in this case, stunning news abounded. She flipped open her laptop and wrote in her journal.
Yes, she’d better document what went on, ‘cause from the sounds of things, there’d be plenty of things to write about. As Betsy typed, joy bubbled up inside of her. When she lifted her fingers off of her keyboard, she sat back in her office chair and marveled at the outrageous idea.
Really, Lord.
Betsy couldn’t get over the fact what her hubby proposed fit exactly in what she’d hoped and prayed for. At least the part of Ben getting out of his job sooner than later. The RV part—not totally sold on it. Not sure she’d ever jump on the idea.
She recognized Ben needed out of his job or the stress would do him in. She’d listened for way too long how he and the others in the office battled with their CEO. Most times Mr. Greenspan shot down ideas saying, “I can see too much cost overrun already. Do a feasibility study.”
Betsy commended her husband for sticking it out this long. Not that she hadn’t recommended he get out when their marriage started to suffer. His response, “I can’t. Gotta work until I’m 65. Can’t retire on nothing.”
Ben put in his time. Sometimes 80-plus hours a week. Betsy remembered she’d teased him once, “I’m going to make you a t-shirt that reads: Over-and-above-the-call-of-duty-kinda guy.” Ben didn’t find it funny.
“My love, you are the go-to guy. But after today’s news, Mr. Greenspan will have to do it without you.” Betsy chuckled. “When all we see is the impossible, God can and will do amazing things. I believe He did it today.”
Betsy turned her attention back to her computer, scanning the words she’d typed. They needed a few tweaks, but for the most part they were perfect for her blog. Betsy copied and pasted the text and titled it: PREPOSTEROUS PROPOSITION. An apt heading for the announcement of the century.
Thinking about their Bible study group and her writer friends’ reaction to their latest newsflash made her laugh. “They’re not going to believe this. Oh, and their comments, I’m sure some will bring the house down.”
Betsy reread her blog again. This time out loud.

Yes, I’ve been hit with a preposterous proposition and I’m not sure if I’m dreaming or my hubby is NUTS. Let me fill you in on what transpired. Ben waltzed into the breakfast nook, as he does every Saturday morning, but this fine day he announced. “Let’s retire, sell our house and buy an RV.”
Alrighty then!!! I’m glad I didn’t have a mouth full of coffee when he made his big announcement. Or he’d been wearing it along with his sweat pants.
To say the least, I was surprised since my hubby’s not one who springs things on me. Normally we talk things to death before we make a decision on anything. But not this time. He stated his case then told me he and the Lord (and Matilda) had been discussing it for quite some time.
I sat there stunned while Ben said things were falling into place. The funny thing is, I’m overjoyed with the idea (for the most part – an RV, I’m not so sure. )
I’ve prayed for a long time for a change to happen. For both Ben and me to dream once again, like we used to. To trust in the Lord and His plans for our lives. To have the courage to step out in faith.
Today’s proposition told me our Father has us on His radar. He cares for you and me. His love knows no bounds.
I’m sure there’s more to come on this subject. I’ll keep you posted.

Love ya!!!
Bets

PS: Sorry to break the BIG news without a warning. Hope you were all sitting down and hadn’t taken a drink of anything. 

When Betsy finished reading the blog for the third time, she put it in the Pending file for a date one week later. She had to wait until Ben told his job about his upcoming retirement. Another reason: Didn’t want the masses…Yeah, right…to read it before she told Rosie.
Speaking of which, where is that woman when I have BIG news to tell her?
~
Ben and Matilda strolled around the neighborhood and he couldn’t remember a time he’d enjoyed their walk as much. He’d have broken out in a dance, but his neighbors might call the authorities.
But after he’d laid out his plan, he felt 50 pounds lighter and a couple inches taller. However, he should have prepared Betsy for what he’d been praying for over the last three months.
Never seemed a good time. Until today. This morning he decided to blurt it out and see what happened. Other than her shocked expression, Betsy handled it pretty well. Ben thought she might throw something at him since he blindsided her.
Similar to the way she… “And we all know how that worked out.” Ben turned the corner. His pooch followed.
The spring in his step from earlier left him. Now all Ben wanted to do was take back all the nasty things he’d said to his wife when she announced, “I’m going to write for a living. Not find another job. I’ll make money, Ben. You wait and see.”
She didn’t make money and that fact sent him into a complete meltdown. That and his job. He couldn’t put his brain around it or her new career. Every chance Ben had, he made sure Betsy saw how unhappy her proposed plan made him.
“And now I expect her to understand my crazy idea of buying an RV and traveling. Even if we have the money to do it.”
Ben turned down Locust Street and headed home. He had some explaining to do and hoped Betsy would open her mind to the possibilities. Then he laughed. No worries there. His wife, the dreamer, would grab on with both hands and run with it. That’s why he’d married her in the first place.
“Hey Ben. Matilda.”
When Ben’s neighbor from across the street called his name, he knew he’d be tied up for a good half hour.
If Betsy needs me, she’ll call.
He walked up to Jeremy and Matilda plopped down next to him. Almost like his pooch knew the conversation could take a while.

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