As Earth Churns…32. Bridge over the River of Life

    Jesus strolled up toward the bridge over the River of Life. Enoch was sitting on the bank of the river with his beagle Sam at his side. As was his custom, the canine was lying on its back with all four legs in the air. It was Sam’s favorite position as he encouraged his master to rub his belly.

    “Good morning, Enoch.” Jesus called out as he approached. “How are things?”

    “Just great!” Enoch exclaimed. “Couldn’t be better. Sam and I are just taking a break from the work at Rainbow Bridge.”

    “Raphael was just telling me about the project you’ve begun over there. It sounds like a major undertaking.” Jesus continued, “He’s really excited about publishing all the details in the next edition of the Heavenly Herald.”

    “Yeah! It is pretty exhilarating,” Raphael said. “He wants to put a photo of Sam on the front page,” Enoch said.

    “Can you tell me the details? How’d you get the ideas? I understand there are several parts to the project,” Jesus asked.

    Enoch looked surprised, “I thought you would’ve used your omniscience by now to know all about it.”

    “As you’ve probably already heard, my Father and I don’t always choose to use that power. Sometimes we like to be surprised,” Jesus assured him. “So, share all the neat stuff. How’d you get started anyway?” With that Jesus sat down beside Sam and took a turn at belly rubbing. The dog appreciatively licked his hand.

    “It’s a rather long story,” Enoch said.

     Jesus replied, “I’ve got all the time in the world, Enoch.”

    “Okay, let’s see," Enoch narrated. "I guess the ideas began coming into my head one day a few weeks ago as Sam and I were romping in the woods over on the east side of Rainbow Bridge. Sam was jumping over logs, weaving around tree trunks; he would even seem to tiptoe daintily from end to end on some of the downed trees. He ran through hedges and tunneled his way under some of the denser brush. It was just thrilling to watch.”

    “Sounds like it!” Jesus exclaimed excitedly. “Then what?”

    “Shortly after that I had a conversation with Gabriel.” Enoch continued. “He’s a pretty good planner and architect from all I heard about how you and he designed the Creation particulars. His work with you on the Ark project is amazing as well. I decided to pick his brain.”

    “Good choice. His help made those tasks a lot easier for me and more enjoyable,” Jesus commented.

    “I’m sure,” Enoch agreed. “He helped shape my ideas. I wanted to construct a large Bark Park in Rainbow Bridge.”

    “A Bark Park?” Jesus queried.

    “Yes, a special place where dogs can run and play. A place where they can have lots of fun and exercise. A place where they can just be themselves…just be, uh…dogs. Sam always seems so happy when we go romping in the woods. I figured he and other animals could have similar experiences in a more organized way with their people in a Bark Park,” Enoch continued with more details. “To begin with there will be three arenas in the park. They will be adjacent and adjoining. The first will be simply a park area. It will be a place for people and pets to sit or walk or play in a very informal way among the existing trees. The plans call for benches and a garden to beautify the space and make it enchantingly relaxing.”

    Enoch went on with his narrative, “The second arena will be the Disc Park.”

    “Disc Park? What’s that?” Jesus inquired.

    “One day on a forest romp with Sam, I picked up an almost perfectly round piece of tree bark,” Enoch’s eyes lighted up as he told the tale. “With a little practice I was able to make that disc sail into the air. Sam got a kick out of chasing it. After awhile he got pretty good at catching it. I’ve even incorporated some trick throws. It’s a lot of fun for both of us. The Disc Park will have markings painted on the grass to indicate distances. I told some of the angels who have adopted pets in Rainbow Bridge about this, and they are eager to have games and competitions. Gabriel even helped design a much better disc out of stuff he calls plastic. It flies higher, farther, and more consistently in the wind. It’s even easier for the dogs to catch. He calls it a Frisbee. Don’t ask me where he got that name."

    “I’m sure Raphael will get that information out of Gabe for publication in the Herald,” Jesus offered.

    Enoch went on, “I’m certain he will. The third arena is the Agility Park. That will have weave poles, flexible tunnels, seesaw bridges, hurdles, and other obstacles for the dogs to conquer. Once built, it will give the dogs opportunity to enjoy many of the same skills Sam used when romping in the woods. It can also be used for games and friendly competitions.”

    “When do we get to see Sam and the other animals in action in the Bark Park?” Jesus asked. “I’m sure the Father will enjoy it as well.”

    “Pretty soon now. It’s mostly finished. The official opening will be announced in the next issue of the Heavenly Herald,” Enoch concluded with a great big smile. “Raphael is announcing the grand opening as the Bark Park Gala! It’s sure to draw a large crowd.”

    “I’m positive it will. Congratulations on the ideas and all the hard work,” Jesus said as he stretched and got up to leave. “See you soon, Enoch. Bye, Sam.” With one last rub behind Sam’s ears, Jesus strolled off.

    Enoch called after him, “Bye, Jesus. See you soon.”

    Jesus paused and turned, “At the Bark Park!”

    Jesus and Enoch both laughed as Sam answered for both, “Aarrff! Aarrff!”

[to be continued]