This Time(5)

Burke put up his hands for silence. "It's time," he said, meaning it.

"Burke, how can it be time? You're at the top of your game. You have at least five or six seasons left," Dean pointed out.

Burke's gaze fell on each family member, his eyes meeting theirs for a fleeting moment. "Last season was my last. I believe the Lord has called me to retire."

"What's changed, Burke?" Reese asked, studying his son with intensity. "When your mother and I visited with you at Christmas, you had a five year plan to play with the Broncos."

"I've changed."

Elaine shifted in her seat and leaned toward Burke. "How so?"

Burke ducked his head and cleared his throat. Thinking of the events of the last six months still stirred his heart. When he felt in control, he looked up and said. "I encountered Jesus again in a way I hadn't in a long time."

"Good for you," Elaine whispered, tears in her blue eyes.

"What happened?" Reese prodded.

"I started attending a new church right after Christmas. Every Sunday, week after week, the sermons, the worship songs, everything seemed to be tailored just for me. The Lord removed my tinted glasses, and I saw how prideful I had become and frankly, it scared me. I hadn't been praying, or reading the Word. Finally, my own stench got to me, and I committed several months to intense prayer, even fasting some. I put my life on the altar and told the Lord to take it all."

"And He lead you to retire from football?" Reese asked.

Burke stopped pacing and rested on an ottoman, elbows on his knees, shaking his head as if he didn't believe the answer either. "Dad, when you encounter the love of Jesus, everything in life pales. At least that's how it seemed to me. Last season I couldn't imagine ever leaving football. I lived the game. It consumed me. When I finally got quiet enough in my soul to listen, the Lord began to whisper to me in ways I'd never encountered before. He gave me a choice. I could continue in football, and He would bless me because He loves me and that's the kind of God He is, or I could take a new road He offered. It seemed to me to be a higher, narrower road. I knew my success would be measured by a different standard. So, I chose."

Silence. Everyone was lost in thought and reflection. Finally Elaine said softly, "You chose wisely, Burke."

"No glory goes to me, Mom. I just knew He'd called me to a new life," Burke said.

"What's next, then?" Reese wanted to know.

Burke did not hesitate. "I'm coming home."

"Here? To Haskell?" Dean asked, surprised

"Home. Haskell." Burke let out another stunning confession.

"Why here? Your home in Denver is lovely." Elaine asked intensely. "You have friends, a church family and an established life there."

Burke actually laughed as he thought of the reason. "Tyler McDermott and I'd been talking, reminiscing about old times when he suggested I come to the reunion and help him emcee the weekend events. Then I talked to Gates Fuller. You know, she still giggles like she did in high school? Anyway, it just hit me; it's time to come home. Truthfully, I've had a hankering to move back to Haskell for a long time. I could never figure out how to do it."

"Burke," Reese started in a fatherly tone. "You're a grown man and I'm busting my buttons over here to hear my son say he's choosing Jesus over fame and fortune, but coming back to Haskell, well, it won't be like coming home from college for the summer. This is a small town. We're simple people. You've lived a life some people only see on TV or at the movies. Will you be happy here?"

"Hush, Reese," Elaine interjected. "If the boy wants to come home, don't discourage him."

Reese continued with his serious tone. "In the fall, when your team is playing football, you won't be on the field. You'll be here in Haskell where the biggest events of the fall are the Fair and Homecoming."

"I know, Dad. Believe it or not, it sounds wonderful to me."

"How'd you get out of your contract?" Dean asked.

"My contract ended last season."

For the first time, Jack joined the conversation, an innocent desperation in his voice. "The Bronco's need you, Uncle Burke."

Burke chuckled. "You think so Jack?"

Jack nodded vigorously.

"I used to think they needed me, too. And maybe for a time they did, but there is plenty of excellent talent coming up behind me. One of them will stand out next season."

"That's like saying the Bulls could replace Michael Jordan," Jack reasoned with a moan.

Everyone laughed. "You have a point there, Jack," Reese commented.

Burke shook his head in sincere humility. "I appreciate the comparison, Jack, but I'm not football's Michael Jordan."

"Don't underestimate your abilities," Reese said.

"I never have Dad. You wouldn't let me."

Dean and Jack's head bobbed in agreement.

"I just want you to be sure, Burke. Though, I must confess, it's not like you to quit. Never seen you give up on anything you've put your mind to do."

"Well, that's not entirely true, Dad," Burke whispered, instantly reminded of a commitment he'd abandoned years ago. He'd rather face a line of determined defensive tackles than to look into Belle's eyes after twelve years. Elaine reported to him that she was the "Belle of the town" as a member of the town council, and was turning the Bar J into a successful business.