Felix sat down. Already bored. Fingers itching with DS withdrawal and his mind abuzz with all the things he would rather be doing. At 12 years old though he was still too young to take a stand and refuse to go to church. So he sat in the pew and watched the clock, cursing God for this torturous boredom.

But it was to be this day that would transform Felix.

He would look back on this day as a beginning.

This was the day when he followed his instinct, took a chance and made a name for himself.

Allan looked down at his congregation. Many of them seemed entranced by his words. Even more than usual. His sermon was in full swing and he was at the height of his powers. “If you seek forgiveness” he preached, “you shall be forgiven!” He paused. He made scattered but penetrating eye contact. Waited one more beat, drew them in. “Let the truth of the Lord be as a Rod unto thy life!” He saw nodding and knew they understood, they were with him. He upped the volume to bring it home. “AND IF WE CLASP UNTO THIS ROD THEN EVERLASTING JOY AWAITS US!”

There was the briefest of pauses. And what Allan had hoped would be a triumphant and illuminating silence was interrupted by a young boys voice.

“Thats what she said!”

Allan bowed his head, hoping his congregation wouldn’t notice the hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.