A
TRAPSHOOTER'S PRAYER
For the Heavenly Life
What a grand day it is. The sky is brilliantly sapphire and the sun is angled
just right. I can see every detail. "Let's see one" I called and I
smokeballed it. Okay, I know I wasn't supposed to take the shot, but I forgot. Simply
couldn't hold back. I do make mistakes you know? God only knows how many I've made. Well,
those close to me know too, but they forgive me, that I know. Thinking back, gee I sure
wasn't perfect, but I tried hard; to be perfect, that is. Who can measure up to that
standard? My entire life was one big trap shoot, struggling to be perfectly perfect, but I
made mistakes along the way but my friends forgive me, that I know.
I see clouds dripping tears. Low and below those are my friends, those who
forgave me. I didn't know they cared that much for me! Golly, some of them beat
me up pretty bad on the trap lines busting me out of the wins. Ahh, I forgive them, too!
It's only a game, a game of intense personal love second only to God and family and
friends. Oh alright, you caught me fibbing a bit, but I really did try to put you all
first. And if I failed, I know you forgive me and will say a prayer that the Lord will
have mercy upon me, for he truly is merciful to those who love him.
A wonderful life indeed it was, even with the bumps in the road. I deeply thank
you Lord for the opportunity to have met all of these fine folks who are gathered here
today to honor me, and I pray the Lord will be with you all.
Now I don't know what all this fuss is about. All I did was pass away to a
better day. Lord, don't they know that? Don't they know I'm still alive, living in their
hearts? Excuse me, I hear a voice "Hey, (name) you're up, lets go or
you'll miss the shootoff call!" I am looking down now seeing all my friends'
remorse gathering about the old me, "I'm okay. I'm here can't you see? Look up!"
I screamed, but they all kept their heads down... something trap shooters are ingrained to
do. "Last call for (name) for shootoff" a voice boomed above.
I froze, unable to move away.
A gentle hand rested on my shoulder, "Come now, let them be. Join me,
my friend." The hand of God led me to the traps. "Be perfect as I have
made you" the Lord said. I grabbed my shotgun, called for the target and broke
it clean into dust. The crowd cheered, I was in heaven! I mean, I am in heaven!
As I reloaded, I glanced down and saw my friends below, smiles upon their faces.
I know they forgive me for leaving them all, but the Pearly White Grand trap
shooting event has beckoned and it's time to play.
Sincerely,
(name)
PS: One more thing before I go. I love you all very much. Your friendship and love made
me a true winner in life. Keep the prayers coming folks, God runs some pretty good trap
shoots up here and the competition is tough to beat. It's not true all the pros
don't go to Hades, many are here in paradise. Talk about perfect shots, St. Peter's really
good and he gives lessons, too! Listen, he's calling me now "C'mon (name) the
handicap event is starting." That's my new friend, St. James. Forgive me, but
I've got to go now. Wish me the best, as I do for you. Keep your head down, but please do
look up once in awhile so I know you're thinking of me. See, ya. And cheer up, I'm happy
and so should you! By the way, I won the shootoff, too! God bless you all, this prayer is
for you!
James Russell
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