A comet skipped across the upper atmosphere thousands of miles away, yet here on earth far from the lights and sounds of the city all were amazed at the sights before them. "Fellows", said Commander Bob, "What you have just seen is a magnificent show of God’s power! Who else could command the very heavens to move in that manner, no one but God himself. Let’s pray together.

As the boys from the inner-city outpost bowed their heads, each of them had different thoughts racing through their hearts and minds. On commander’s right is Jimmy, the youngest of the patrol of seven boys. He had barely made the age limit for this trip and he had never really been away from home. So he stayed close by commander whenever he could. Next to him was Al, actually Alvin, but don’t let anyone call him anything but Al. Al was a probation case, he had gotten into trouble with the court and Commander Bob went to bat for him and here he was. And, he was extremely glad too. All these boys were products of broken homes and divided parental control. Richard was the rich kid, he had the best uniform, biggest tent, stainless mess kit and he let the other boys know it. I guess you could say he rubbed their noses in it. Jamie on the other hand was the poor kid on the block. His way was paid from contributions from the church. No uniform, just dirty jeans and a sweatshirt, yet still his heart was full and he knew he was meant to be here. Ray was the oldest, almost 18 years now. In fact he almost was too old to make this trip. His dad died of cancer last year and he was very bitter towards God. Joey was the geek, as the fellows called him. He was actually the smartest kid among the group. For him to see the shooting star was a scientific fact instead of an awesome sight. He had an answer for every question on anything. Steven was an everyday kind of guy, he was liked by everyone and got along with anybody. But nobody knew what war waged inside him.

"Thank you Jesus for enabling all of us to be able to make this trip, we praise you for it. And we all said Amen". They all repeated "Amen". "Well guys", said Commander Bob, "What do you think about all this around us?" As many as were present came as many different replies. "Wow ! neat!" said Jimmy and he shuffled a little closer to his mentor. Each had a different response, but the one which tore at commander’s heart was from Steven, "It’s alright I guess". "Steven", said Commander Bob. "I can’t believe that anyone could sit here and witness what you just saw and not be amazed at God’s awesome power". "Oh", replied Steve, "I didn’t say I didn’t believe in God or anything, I guess I’ve got a lot on my mind, and I’m really tired from all the activities that we did today. Can we go to bed soon?" All murmured in tired agreement. "OK guys", said Commander Bob, "Hit the hay". There were no tents as the weather forecast had predicted clear and starry skies for the duration of their trip. Everyone climbed into their sleeping bags as commander was putting the remainder of supper’s coffee on the fire to reheat.. He then tossed a couple of good sized logs on the fire. Not because of the chill which there was none, but as a morale builder.

Soon the coffee was bubbling and Commander Bob poured himself a large cup. Then he sauntered over to a large semi-flat rock and sat down. Sipping his hot coffee his mind went over the events of the day. The hike out was over 15 miles. They weren’t painfully hard miles but many none the less. They had forded two small rivers and crossed several valleys. Even climbed a medium mountain in order to reach this particular plateau where they were now camped. This was a special place to Commander Bob, for you see he grew up here in the west. He knew every hill and gully for over a 100 miles around. It was here on this plateau, only a few feet from where he now sat that he had asked Jesus to come into his heart. His job later took him far to the East, away from the great outdoors. Locked into city life and no thought of ever being able to hear a coyote howl or smell mesquite burning on the campfire. One night after hi weekly Ranger meeting, pastor came into the Ranger office and asked Commander Bob what he had planned for his upcoming vacation. He had really done well and his company had given him a three week paid vacation. Bob had never had a vacation what’s more a paid vacation, His thoughts went to the land he loved best. His plans were to get a horse and a pack mule and ride to the plateau where he now sat…

"Excuse me commander?" Bob jumped a little, startled by Steven whom he did not hear approach. "Could I talk to you a minute?" Steven asked. "Sure Steve" replied the now puzzled Commander., "What’s on your mind son?" "It’s my mom" started Steven, "She’s seeing someone else, even though she and my dad are still married!" Commander Bob already aware of the problem knew what he must do. "Steve, let’s do something a little different tonight", he said. They both knelt down and placed their elbows on the rock. "Steve, I want you to tell God what’s on your mind and in your heart". "But!" said Steve, "You always taught us that God knows what is in our heart, right?" "That’s right", said commander Bob." But sometimes it helps to get it out in the open. Don’t be afraid, everyone else is asleep, it’s just you, me and God" at that particular moment a lone coyote howled in the distance, "and him" "Yes and him" agreed Commander.

Steven poured his heart out. Tears streamed down his face. He did not understand what was happening in his family. His mom had always been a spiritual rock to Steven. She always made sure that they attended church every time the doors were opened. His dad was a salesman and was out of town most of the time. His mom joined a young married’s group at the church and met Tom a young widower who’s wife had died of cancer at an early age. At first they just talked in church and sometimes afterwards. Many times Steve sat waiting in the car watching until everyone else had left. They never touched hands or did anything that was inappropriate, until now. Steve’s dad was having a lot of over the road trips and tempers sometimes flared up when he finally came home. Steve’s mom just sort of brushed it off, and talked to Tom more and more. Finally, now they were calling each other on the phone.

Steve went on and on. Commander was feeling really sad for him, he just wanted to take him in his arms and hug him close. But he knew that was just what God had in mind. God specializes in things thought impossible. And Steven really thought his case was impossible. Finally God broke through the barrier and Steven received the comfort that he was seeking. With a tear-stained face and a somewhat mended heart Steven turned to his commander and asked him how he knew what was going to happen. " It’s a long story", replied Commander,"You see this is a special place for me here. When I was growing up I used to come to this exact spot whenever I had a problem I thought was too big to handle. And you know what? God handled them all!"

Steve looked up and responded, "I’m not sure that I fully understand what is going to happen, but I know now that if I put my faith in God, he will handle it all . My mom has to work out her own salvation. She raised us in the church and I’m sure that she will do the right thing." Commander laughed and said, "That’s an awful lot of wisdom coming from someone who didn’t know what he was going to do a few minutes, uh I mean over 2 hours ago." Time had flown by and Steven was suddenly very tired and as he thanked Commander Bob and turned to go he was startled to see the rest of the guys all lined up waiting their turn to talk to God.

By mid-morning, Commander Bob was exhausted, but God had given him the strength and endurance to see this task through. He knew that he had made the right choices and decisions which had brought him and this special group to this spot. A much matured, even tempered and close-knit patrol hiked out to the main road three days later. They had all walked and talked with God, and each of them knew that He was aware of their problems.

He’s aware of yours too. Take time, get off by yourself and audibly talk to our Lord. You’ll be amazed at the results.