When he was a teenager, she used to plead with Mike to accompany her to church every Sunday, but he never paid heed. The memory of their final argument played vividly in his mind, as clear as if it had occurred only yesterday.
Mike had just turned 18, and his mind was set on a fun – filled weekend with his friends. The last thing he wanted was to spend another Sunday morning cooped up in church.
“Michael,” Grace said sternly, standing in the doorway of his room. She was clutching her oversized purse, with her Bible tucked under her arm, dressed in her Sunday finest. “It’s time for church.”
Mike didn’t even glance up from his phone. “I’m not going, Grandma. I’ve already made plans.”
“Plans?” Grace’s voice rose in disbelief. “What plans could possibly be more important than spending time with the Lord?”
“I’m 18 now,” Mike retorted. “I can make my own decisions. I’m not spending another Sunday listening to endless sermons in church.”
“That’s nonsense. Get up, put on a clean shirt, and come with me,” Grace demanded, stepping into the room as if she were ready to drag him out by force.
“No! I’m not going!” Mike snapped. “Why can’t you just let me live my life? I’m sick and tired of you acting like I’m the worst person on earth just because I don’t want to sit in church all day.”
“I’m trying to save your soul, Michael. One day, you’ll thank me for this.”
“Yeah, well, I’m good,” Mike mumbled. “I don’t need saving. Just leave me alone!”
“Is that so?” Grace said coolly. “Fine. If that’s how you feel, I won’t come around anymore. I won’t speak to you again, Michael.”
Mike was taken aback for a moment, but in his teenage arrogance, he simply shrugged it off. “Great. Then we both get what we want.”