TIME SERVED© vii

The Visitor
Who exactly was the visitor that held the key to reason for me, following up with the 6yr. plea bargain/prison term.
I accepted yes guilty as charged.
I would have to go a little ways backto meeting him during fellowship.
The important fact was we met during religious service while I was in Jersey.
However since released on bail I spent my days in Philly  low key.
Continued to attend service just change of community.
The most truthful fact most communities when healthy become small and intimate.
Outreach extends to visitors that gather, fellowship, and worship.
Connecting people from the surrounding region more often than not. This held true for this particular neighborhood and community. I was spending my time near where my mother lives.
Significant was that the close  sentencing  date approached in Superior Court. 
The most opposite  thoughts were being presented to me by the most unsuspecting source possible.
I could think of actually too close forcomfort. Yes both the individual and the craziness to just disappear,start over by any means necessary.
One of the other outstanding factors is that i do have voice of reason represented by a a very small circle of influence.
However selective it may seem, I wasn't in direct contact with most.
I had daily prayer in congregation, but it wasn't until within days left that I disclosed in private that i had this serious matter to deal with.
Once it was made public, I was consiled, reassured and reinforced.
Now confidence grew knowing the entire congregation  was praying as an intercession on my behalf for mercy and blessings.
Well I supposed that part.
Never had I imagined to be the center of this attention.
This felt welcoming, heartfelt and impactful.
The common ground was that it was only through humility, that my actions matched my behavior.
I matched up, presented myself worthy and decent.,
Considering all matters, I was embraced without judgment nor having to explain away my past.
Past meant just that, past.
I really did have a new start in manyareas of my life.
New beginning regardless of old business. 
The current business at hand was doing "the time".
I would often see my best friend's Uncle "Unc"so I didn't dare share that I was considering the craziness of just disappearing from sight.
Yall know how that one goes "I'll pay up when they catch up".
Only thing is that, that way of thinking went so far in the direction of code of the street/rules of the game.
Again all mind traps set to one trigger device.
Best things hapoen for a reason.
Namely I'm  pretty much unpredictable still.
So on any given situation there are risk and variables unexplained.
Current situation is not, did not involve me being impulsive nor irrational.
I was really seeking proper guidance and sound advice.
The Visitor walks into the scene the traveling merchant from Jersey.
The custom when travelling is to seek a house of worship.
Brother walks in and I greet him.
I had been keeping a religious vigil a sit in so to speak.
Not leaving in between prayer, after lectures and gatherings.
Most I could say about matters solved.
Brother was sincere, compassionate, concerned and wise.
All that and direct as possible.
Basically he provided me with a scenario of being on the run.
Living as a fugitive and looking over my shoulder.
None of that sounded inviting.
Not ever promising, nor something worthy of producing character.
Done deal, signed and delivered.
The matter was simple math.
I would not spend one day with the official jumped bail.fugitive of justice, living on the lamb status.
No illusion of "Gangster Paradise ".
No grand destination.
No flight to avoid prosecution.
No scandal.
No thanks period.
I voted for Faith and Gratitude.