This weekend I read two books to my twins. They were part of the Redwall series which is based on the heroism of valiant mice and the demise of despicable rats. This marathon involved six hours on Saturday and twelve on Sunday, with breaks for church and nourishment. The woodland animals are masters of the culinary arts, baking blueberry flans with honeycream and candied chestnuts, and after a few mouth watering menus we would rouse ourselves to fetch nachos and watermelon.

 

Martin is a mouse whose image is woven into the tapestry hanging in the Great Hall. He inspires the gentlefolk to lives of bravery, honesty, loyalty and peace. Each book portrays the tender protection of little ones, and the cooperation of many creatures for the good of all. They even get married.

 

Early in the morning Hope said something that caught my attention. 

 

"We know everything will turn out right, but I want to know how!"

 

She had nailed it. There was no question that the faithful animals would triumph over the evil ones, even in the face of hissing snakes, vile foxes and treacherous crows. I know this. Yet I am still gullible enough to grieve for the young squirrels chained and starved by a power crazed scumbag. I am duped by the sense of oppression. Doubt hangs like a nimbus. 

 

Stories are as nourishing as apple pie. They fill the hole in my belly and warm me from the inside. Hearing the tenacity of a mouse who is committed to freeing his friends and enduring relentless pain, I build up stores of endurance within the chambers of my heart. 

 

There are times when I can look up from the book of my life to remember that everything will turn out right. God is the Author, and his mercy is forever. 

 

But I stay riveted to the storyline, because I want to see how.