THE McCARTY METRO
MY FINAL THOUGHT

Hello to all our Metro readers. It's good to be back after a 2 month hiatus. Lots of things have happened since we last talked, and I hope we covered it all within the previous pages for this month.

If you have a chance, before you leave today, please visit our Guest Map and place a pin on the map with your location, and maybe a short comment.

Congratulations to Robby and Sara on the birth of their first baby boy Bobby. By the pictures I have seen, he certainly is a cutie. I can't wait until we get a chance to meet him, along with my goddaughter and her husband.

Margaret and I took a couple of trips this past month. First, to meet Valerie's (Brad's fiance') family. We enjoyed a wonderful weekend in Columbus, Ohio, and had a great time. Ron & Laura Bain are great people and wonderful hosts. We enjoyed our time with them and got along splendidly, along with Allison and Stephen (Valerie's sister and brother). We also took a cross country trip to Bend, Oregon to help celebrate our granddaughter Alexa's first birthday, and had a fantastic time. Because of the distance, it is very special for me and Margaret to spend time with Chris, Amanda and Alexa.

Mom underwent surgery in April. It will take a bit of time, but the results should be positive. At the time I am writing this, she is improving every day. All my hopes and prayers for a full and speedy recovery are with you. With Mother's day approaching, it gives me time to reflect on all the things she has done for me over the years, so the little bit I can do for her at her time of need is something I cherish and treasure. I love you Mom.

Easter is always a spiritual time for me, and my final thought, although a bit past the Easter season, is a message that I, and I hope my readers can wrap their lives around every day of the year, and not just on special days like Easter or Christmas. I hope you enjoy it, and have a wonderful May.

PAID IN FULL

After living what I felt was a 'decent' life, my time on earth came to the end.

The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around I saw the prosecutor. He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat my attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew him.

The corner door flew open and there appeared the judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as he moved across the room I couldn't take my eyes off of him. As he took his seat behind the bench, he said, "Let us begin."

The prosecutor rose and said, "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell!" He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own attorney, as the devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at my attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done? Satan finished with a fury and said, "This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise."

When it was his turn, my attorney first asked if he might approach the bench. The judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned him to come forward. As he got up and started walking, I was able to see him in his full splendor and majesty. I realized why he seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior. He stopped at the bench and softly said to the judge, "Hi, Dad," and then he turned to address the court. "Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished."

Jesus took a deep breath and turned to his father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted me as his Savior, so he is mine." My Lord continued with, "His name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can snatch him from me." "Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy."

As Jesus sat down, he quietly paused, looked at his father and said, "There is nothing else that needs to be done." "I've done it all." The judge lifted his mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from his lips..

"This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed."

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I will win the next one." I asked Jesus as he gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?" Christ lovingly smiled and said,"Everyone that has come to me and asked me to represent them has received the same verdict as you."
 

"Paid In Full"

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