What a Good King!

There was this boy. Puzzled and perplexed. Life had hit him hard. Marred and angry. Wounded deeply by loved ones. Trampled ruthlessly by the pains of life. Thrashed by his great enemy and left for ruin. Bruised. Beaten. Yet still strong enough for one more search. So he went looking, to the furthest place he could manage. Not running away from life, but simply retreating to find rest.
To a small town he traveled, nestled between mountains. Not spectacular mountains. Rather, a simple place, not well known, nor with much to offer him. Except an escape and a chance to retreat. Retreat is what he did.
There he joined the King’s family for a while. A simple family. In a simple house. Marked by an imperfect, yet deep love for one another. They had a joy that was different. It was simple, and real. They laughed and enjoyed life, even in the midst of their own pain. Though children of the King, they experienced some of the same trials this boy had. But what was the difference, he thought?
They spoke of this King. Highly. About his work in the town, and all the merciful acts he had shown the family. The grace he had extended without reproach. The kindness he had shown in provisions. And goodness and power he had shown even when life in the land was hard. Even for the King’s family. This boy saw a difference.
Still scarred—remnants of the deep pain life had ushered him—he started asking questions. Walking with the King’s men. Sitting at their feet and asking questions. Humble, honest, soul deep, life directing questions. Their words were surprising simple. Void of confusing jargon, and twisted manipulation, and haughty say-so. They made sense, and pierced through the haze of confusion and anger. These Words came from the King himself. Spoken to these men. Studied and applied, as the King delights in. Not words from a simple man, but from the King himself. A powerful, and mighty, yet real and simple King. To know. To serve. To love. The King a simple boy could follow.
Sitting on the roadside one day, he decided to do just that. Not in a fancy display of emotion, but a simple soul deep decision. Not knowing entirely what that held for him, he knew that the King was the only one who could give meaning. Purpose. Healing. His questions are still plenty. His heart is still scarred with hurt. His life still being hammered by hardship. But he has chosen to follow the King, and to be apart of the King’s family, one he now knows is a lot larger than before. In time, answers will come. Healing will happen. However, this simple, deeply powerful, decision has changed the course of this boys life, now. What a good King!