Humor, Hope, and Holidays
December 28, 2009
The story is told of the day Forrest Gump died. A minor delay awaited the likable fellow as he approached the Pearly Gates. St. Peter said, “Forrest, it is good to see you, but heaven is filling up fast. Because of that, everyone has to take an entrance examination. If you pass it, you can get in. First, what two days of the week begin with the letter ‘T?’ Next, how many seconds are there in a year? Third, what is God’s first name?” Forrest left to think the questions over and returned to St. Peter a short time later. He confidently asserted, “The two days in the week that begin with the letter ‘T’ are Today and Tomorrow.” St. Peter is shocked, but realizes he must give Forrest credit for his answer. “Er, okay, Mr. Gump, how about the next one?” “Now that one was harder,” replied Forrest, “but the answer is twelve.” Astonished, St. Peter exclaimed, “Twelve? Forrest, how in heaven’s name can there be twelve seconds in a year?” “Golly, sir: January 2nd , February 2nd , March 2nd . . .” St. Peter shook his head and gave Forrest credit for that answer, too. Perplexed and exhausted, he asked, “Okay. What is the answer to the third question?” “Oh, that’s easy,” Forrest gleefully replied. “God’s first name is Andy.” At this point, St. Peter was nearly ready to jump out of a window. “Andy? Now see here, Forrest. I can understand your answers to the first two questions. But how in the world did you come up with ‘Andy’ as God’s first name?” “Shucks,” said Forrest, “I learned it from a song: ‘Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, Andy tells me I am his own . . .’” This story makes us smile (Prov. 15:13). However, Christmas reminds us that God sent someone to pass our “entrance test” for us (Matt. 1:21; Jn. 3:16-17; 1 Cor. 15:22). Because of him, we have hope during the Holidays and beyond. But Forrest does raise one compelling question, friend: in your life, are you “walking and talking” with God? Think about it. Please. —JLNJR (Resource: Internet forward, 12/21/09)
