Adventures in Odyssey

Chris: Hi, this is Chris. Welcome to Adventures in Odyssey.

Tom Riley: Howdy, Tom Riley here. We're just getting ready for a time of wonder, adventure, and excitement. Would you like to join us? Then get ready, because you never know what can happen when you have an adventure in Odyssey.

Mary Barkley: And we ask that you bless this food. Amen. You better pass me your plates; the casserole dish is hot. Donna?

Donna Barkley: Thanks, Mom.

Jimmy Barkley: I'm starving. What are we having?

Mary Barkley: The casserole. There you are, Donna.

Jimmy Barkley: But what kind of casserole?

Mary Barkley: Just give me your plate.

Jimmy Barkley: Wait a minute. Let me guess. It has to do with hamburger, doesn't it?

Mary Barkley: Your plate, Jimmy.

Jimmy Barkley: Aw, Mom. We've had hamburger five nights in a row.

Mary Barkley: Well, I thought you liked hamburger.

Jimmy Barkley: I used to, but after this, I might become a vegetarian.

Mary Barkley: Good. Then you can help me grow the vegetables in the garden.

Jimmy Barkley: That's not what I mean.

Mary Barkley: Jimmy, if you don't want to eat it, you're welcome to leave the table.

Jimmy Barkley: No, it's all right. I'm sorry. It's just that it's like we're poorer now than we were when Dad didn't have a job.

Mary Barkley: In a way, we are poorer. But we're richer, too. I mean, your dad's studies at the seminary and his work at the church are teaching us a lot about faith in God.

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah. Well, maybe you ought to wake up Dad and remind him.

Mary Barkley: George? George!

George Barkley: The aorist participles decline according to third declension. What? Dad, you took the words right out of my mouth, Dad. What? What happened? What?

Mary Barkley: George, if you're that tired, why don't you go to bed?

George Barkley: I'm not tired. I'm okay, really. I just have to study for a test in New Testament Greek tomorrow. What were we saying?

Jimmy Barkley: Oh, we were just saying how great this chicken tastes.

George Barkley: Oh, yes. Great chicken, Mary.

Mary Barkley: Stop it, Jimmy. George, you've been working so hard. Can't you take the evening off and relax?

George Barkley: You know I can't, Mary. I'll be all right if I can just study for a while.

Jimmy Barkley: That's right, young man. And no TV until you finish it all.

George Barkley: You're a funny boy, Jimmy. That was a good meal. Anyway, thanks.

Mary Barkley: You're welcome.

Jimmy Barkley: But you might want to talk to the butcher. For chicken, it tasted a lot like hamburger. I'll get it. Hello? Oh, hi, Tom.

Mary Barkley: Isn't there something we can do? He works so hard. He's always so tired.

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah. I mean, when Dad said he was going into the ministry, I didn't realize it was going to do this to him.

Mary Barkley: I know. But we just have to be patient and pray for him. I don't think there's anything else we can do.

George Barkley: You're welcome. Bye.

Mary Barkley: Tom Riley?

George Barkley: The pastor's sick and needs me to take over the home Bible study he teaches in Emmaus.

Mary Barkley: Oh, George.

George Barkley: It'll only be an hour or so. It starts in ten minutes.

Mary Barkley: What about all the studying you have to do?

George Barkley: It'll have to wait until I get home. It won't be long, honest. I'll just study before I go to bed.

Jimmy Barkley: But you don't go to bed anymore, George.

George Barkley: I will tonight. I'll even tuck you in. See you guys later.

Jimmy Barkley: See you, Dad.

Mary Barkley: Goodnight, George. Maybe we should do something.

Guest (Male): In Album 79, 11th Hour, it's the critical moment. Hardship, obstacles to overcome, risk of failure. I just can't shake this feeling that something's wrong. It was just an accident. Accident? It isn't safe. We can't pretend that this all isn't real. Jules! Jules! Album 79, 11th Hour, now on the club CD and download. Find out more at adventuresinodyssey.com.

Jimmy Barkley: Hi, Mr. Allen.

Jack Allen: Hello, Jimmy. That's a lovely dress you have on, Donna.

Donna Barkley: Oh, thank you.

Jack Allen: What can I get for you? We're having a special on Rocky Road.

Donna Barkley: No, thanks. I think we're already on one of those.

Jack Allen: I beg your pardon?

Donna Barkley: Oh, I'll just have a scoop of chocolate ripple.

Jimmy Barkley: And for you, Jimmy? You don't have any hamburger-flavored ice cream, do you?

Jack Allen: Not today.

Jimmy Barkley: Good. I'll have some vanilla, please. Vanilla it is. Maybe I missed the joke, but I didn't understand your comment about Rocky Road, Donna, or for that matter, what you said about hamburger ice cream, Jimmy.

Donna Barkley: We're just talking about things at home.

Jimmy Barkley: You see, since Dad decided to go into the ministry, all he ever does is study and help out at the church. He's exhausted.

Jack Allen: Oh, yes. I'm sure the pressure on him must be enormous. No doubt it's hitting him from all sides.

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah, right.

Donna Barkley: Oh, excuse me, Mr. Allen, but what do you mean pressure from all sides? Here are your ice cream cones.

Jack Allen: Thanks. It's not that I have a lot of experience in this area, but I was thinking about your dad at church on Sunday. Not only does he have the normal pressure of church work, his family, things like that, but since he made his decision so much later in life, I'm sure he feels he's competing with the other younger students at the seminary who know more than him. He probably has to work ten times as hard to keep up.

Jimmy Barkley: Hmm. I hadn't thought of that. How depressing.

Donna Barkley: I just wish there was something we could do for him.

Jack Allen: I suppose praying for him is the best thing you can do and being patient.

Donna Barkley: We do all that. But I wish we could do something to help him slow down or take a break or something. He's running himself into the ground.

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah, but you know Dad. He won't even admit that he's tired, let alone take time off for a break.

Jack Allen: Unless you force him to take some time off.

Jimmy Barkley: What do you mean?

Jack Allen: Oh, it just seems that if he won't take a break willingly, maybe you can make him. I remember when my family did that to me a number of years ago when I was working too hard. They kidnapped me and took me out for a picnic. It was one of the best days we ever had.

Donna Barkley: Hmm. Maybe that's the answer.

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah. We should kidnap Dad.

Mary Barkley: You want to kidnap your father?

Jimmy Barkley: Sure. Why not? He'll never relax on his own.

Donna Barkley: We thought we would steal him away for an afternoon picnic this Saturday, just for a few hours.

Mary Barkley: But how? He'll never go along with just getting in the car and going off with us unless he knows where he's going.

Jimmy Barkley: Well, that's why we need a plan. Something that'll get him out of the house.

Donna Barkley: Oh, we could tell him that they're having a sale on Greek textbooks at Houston's Books.

Mary Barkley: No, no. He won't spend money. Especially since we don't have any to spend. Well, then would he go somewhere to save money? Could we get him to come with us if it meant getting something for free?

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah. Well, that's possible. But what would he get for free that he wouldn't just send us to get for him?

Donna Barkley: Hey, I could tell him that Rathbone's Palace is giving away more vacations to Hawaii.

Mary Barkley: Oh, no. Not that again.

Donna Barkley: Look, Mom, we'll figure something out. You just get Dad primed for it, okay? And on Saturday, we'll make it a big family day out.

Mary Barkley: George? I'm sorry to bother you while you're studying, but—oh. You're not studying.

George Barkley: No. I decided to take some time out for a cheery activity: paying the bills. Mary, I don't know how we're going to make it. Not at the rate we're going.

Mary Barkley: Is it that bad?

George Barkley: Yeah. And when the baby arrives, it'll be even worse.

Mary Barkley: Well, then what can we do? I've been pinching every penny we have.

George Barkley: Well, we may have to figure out a way to refinance the house or sell it if we have to.

Mary Barkley: What?

George Barkley: Well, we have a lot of equity in it. We could use that money to keep us afloat. Renting is bound to be cheaper. But until then, we have to come up with other ways to save money.

Mary Barkley: Well, I don't know what else to do.

George Barkley: Well, we have to think of the less obvious things.

Mary Barkley: I have been, George, even down to our haircuts.

George Barkley: Well, good. I didn't think about that.

Mary Barkley: You know, a friend of mine will give us all haircuts for free. In fact, I made appointments for the whole family to get haircuts this afternoon. She was very nice to squeeze us in.

George Barkley: This afternoon? Honey, I have to study, and the pastor is still feeling bad. I may have to take over some of his duties in the church.

Mary Barkley: Well, then you'll want a haircut to be presentable. I overheard Mrs. Erskin say how offended she was that your hair was getting so unruly.

George Barkley: She did?

Mary Barkley: Mm-hm.

George Barkley: Well, I certainly wouldn't want to offend Mrs. Erskin. When's our appointment?

Mary Barkley: Right now.

George Barkley: Well, then let's go. Maybe I can take some books with me.

Mary Barkley: Oh, leave them, George. Just for a little while, okay? Give yourself, give all of us, a break.

George Barkley: Well, all right, just so it won't take too long.

Mary Barkley: Only as long as it takes.

Donna Barkley: Hurry, Jimmy. Mom should have Dad out here by now.

Jimmy Barkley: I'm doing the best I can. This cooler's heavy.

George Barkley: Jimmy, Donna, time to get your haircuts.

Donna Barkley: Quick, close the trunk.

Jimmy Barkley: Right, all right, all right.

George Barkley: Oh, here you are. What are you guys doing?

Donna Barkley: Doing? Doing where? We weren't doing anything.

Jimmy Barkley: We were just waiting for you so we can get our haircuts or hairs cut, if you want to be precise.

George Barkley: Oh. Okay. Well, let's go.

Mary Barkley: I'll drive, George.

George Barkley: No, it's okay. I'll drive.

Mary Barkley: No, I better drive.

Jimmy Barkley: Let Mom drive, Dad. Mom should definitely drive.

George Barkley: But you're so pregnant you can barely reach the steering wheel.

Mary Barkley: What a lovely compliment. Thank you, darling.

Jimmy Barkley: I didn't mean that.

Mary Barkley: That's all right. I still want to drive. You can study on the way if I drive.

George Barkley: But you made me leave my books inside. You want me to go get them?

Mary Barkley: No, that's all right. But thanks for asking. Get in, everyone! Is it just me, or are you guys acting strange?

Jimmy Barkley: Strange? Us? Strange? What do you mean strange? Nobody's acting strange, Dad. Obviously, it's just you.

George Barkley: Okay. Just wondering.

Mary Barkley: Actually, this is—surprise!

Jimmy Barkley: Surprise!

George Barkley: But it's not my birthday.

Jimmy Barkley: No, but it might as well be.

Donna Barkley: Yeah. We're kidnapping you for a while.

George Barkley: Kidnapping me?

Donna Barkley: An afternoon at Trickle Lake. We have everything we need in the trunk.

Mary Barkley: We figured you need to rest for a while. And since you won't do it yourself, we're going to make you.

George Barkley: Look, this is very thoughtful, but I have two essays due on Monday. This afternoon is the only chance I have to write them.

Mary Barkley: Tough.

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah. You're just going to have to enjoy yourself whether you like it or not.

George Barkley: But I can't.

Mary Barkley: You can, George. The world won't stop without you.

Donna Barkley: Great sandwiches, Mom.

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah. This was a good idea, wasn't it?

Mary Barkley: Oh, it is a perfect afternoon for a picnic, right, George? George? I said it's a good day for a picnic.

George Barkley: Yeah, perfect. What time is it?

Mary Barkley: It doesn't matter.

Jimmy Barkley: Hey, Dad, let's throw the football around, okay?

George Barkley: No, I'm not in the mood. You go ahead.

Jimmy Barkley: You want me to throw the football around by myself?

Mary Barkley: I knew it. We should have brought Normal with us. He'd play catch with you.

George Barkley: No, it's better we left him at home where he can chew on the trash can for a while.

Jimmy Barkley: He doesn't chew on the trash can anymore.

George Barkley: Oh, that's right. Now he limits himself to my shoes or the legs in the dining room table. Just tell me one thing: why did we ever get that dog?

Donna Barkley: Dad!

George Barkley: Do you have any idea how much money we'd save on dog food?

Mary Barkley: George.

George Barkley: I'm just wondering.

Donna Barkley: You don't want to keep Normal?

George Barkley: I didn't say that. But you know how tight money is for us, and I keep trying to think of ways to save, that's all. Does anybody know what time it is?

Mary Barkley: Does anybody really care? Look, I really appreciate the thought behind this picnic, but we've eaten, and now I think we should go home.

Mary Barkley: We've only been here for fifteen minutes.

George Barkley: I have so much studying to do, Mary. You don't understand.

Mary Barkley: And you don't understand that we think you need a break. Can't you relax for just a little while?

Donna Barkley: Yeah, Dad. Let's take a walk around the lake. Well, that's relaxing.

George Barkley: I'd feel a lot more relaxed if I could go home and do what I need to do. Besides, do you know what this picnic cost us? What did that bag of ice cost?

Jimmy Barkley: Dad, what's with you and the running total on our food costs?

Donna Barkley: He was paying bills before we left.

Mary Barkley: Oh, great. That's a real mood setter. Maybe I will go play catch with myself.

George Barkley: Why are you guys making me feel like the bad guy here? We're short on money, and I'm short on time, and I just wish you'd kidnapped me on another day, that's all.

Mary Barkley: What other day, George? There are no other days. At least not in the foreseeable future.

George Barkley: And what am I supposed to do about it? I don't know how else to juggle everything I have to do. And if I don't come up with something soon, we'll lose the house. So what do you want me to do?

Donna Barkley: Lose the house?

Jimmy Barkley: Hang on. What did you say?

Mary Barkley: George.

George Barkley: I only meant that we may not be able to afford to stay in our house.

Jimmy Barkley: Oh, man. I knew it. I knew it would come to this. We're going to have to take a vow of poverty.

George Barkley: We will not.

Donna Barkley: You want to get rid of Normal and sell the house? What's next?

George Barkley: I didn't say I want to do any of those things. I just have to consider our options.

Jimmy Barkley: Is there anything else you're considering? I mean, since we're on the subject.

George Barkley: No. And don't get snippy. I'm sorry. It's just that I don't remember you saying that it was going to be like this when you decided to go into the ministry. Maybe if I'd have known, I would have changed my vote.

George Barkley: There's no vote to change.

Donna Barkley: That's right. We just have to go along with whatever you decide.

George Barkley: I don't like your attitude, Donna.

Donna Barkley: Sorry.

George Barkley: So is this it? Is this how everyone is really feeling? You wish I'd never been called to the ministry? Mary? Is this how you feel, too?

Mary Barkley: George, I think we're all tired. Maybe it's more involved than we thought it would be.

George Barkley: Terrific. Great timing. Thanks for letting me know.

Mary Barkley: Just put the cooler over by the sink, Jimmy.

Jimmy Barkley: Sure, Mom. Hello? Oh, hi, Mr. Riley. Oh, yeah, he's right here. It's for you, Dad. Tom Riley.

George Barkley: Thanks. Hello? Oh, sorry about that, Tom. The family decided to kidnap me for a picnic. The hospital? Oh, no. The pastor had a heart attack? Oh, how is he? Bypass surgery. Sure, sure. I'll get to the hospital as soon as I can. Hang in there, Tom. And we'll be praying hard. Bye. I'm sorry. I have to go.

Mary Barkley: Let us know if there's anything we can do.

George Barkley: I will.

Mary Barkley: A perfect end to a perfect afternoon. All right. Come on.

Jimmy Barkley: Where are we going?

Mary Barkley: Into the family room. Your dad said we'd pray, and we will, about a lot of things.

George Barkley: Hi, Jack.

Jack Allen: Hi, George. Any word on the pastor?

George Barkley: You heard, huh?

Jack Allen: Word seems to get around fast in this town.

George Barkley: Well, I just came from the hospital. Pastor's out of surgery and in intensive care. They think he'll be all right.

Jack Allen: Thank God. You look tired, George.

George Barkley: Yeah, I am a little, I guess. It's been a long day. Look, Tom Riley suggested I stop by and ask you to teach my Sunday School class tomorrow so I can have more time to prepare a sermon. Would you mind?

Jack Allen: Oh, it's nice of Tom to think of me. Of course I will. Though I'm sure you're a tough act to follow.

George Barkley: Well, not tough enough. It seems like there's never enough time to prepare the way I should. Can I have some ice water, please?

Jack Allen: Of course. I'm sorry I didn't ask. Would you like anything else? Something to eat?

George Barkley: No, thanks. I'm still full from our picnic this afternoon.

Jack Allen: You went on a picnic? Oh, that's encouraging. Considering how busy you are, a picnic must have been just the right break for you. Here's your water.

George Barkley: Thanks. Right break. Just the opposite. It's one of the worst afternoons we've ever had. I didn't realize until today just how much wear and tear my going into the ministry is having on my family. I mean, I knew it was affecting me, but I never guessed it would hurt them so much.

Jack Allen: Hurt them?

George Barkley: Yeah. I'm always studying or working at the church or worrying about the finances. I'm sorry. I shouldn't be talking about this.

Jack Allen: Oh, I don't mind. Seems like you ought to talk to somebody.

George Barkley: I feel like I'm some kind of phantom who just drifts in and out of my home. If I'm not studying, I'm at church. If I'm not at church, I'm sleeping. If I'm not sleeping, I'm studying.

And today, just as I realized we may have to sell the house to make ends meet, I find out that my family is as miserable as I am. Maybe even more. All because I thought I was supposed to go into the ministry.

Jack Allen: You thought?

George Barkley: I'll be honest, Jack. I'm just not sure it's worth it anymore. Maybe I made a mistake. Maybe God made a mistake. I can't believe I'm supposed to go into the ministry and wreck my family in the process.

Jack Allen: Oh, I wish I knew what to say, George. Everything I've read about people who were called to the ministry says that they experienced the same thing you're experiencing. I don't think there were any exceptions. They had to commit and sacrifice and endure great hardship to follow the call.

George Barkley: But their families, Jack.

Jack Allen: Even their families. Now, I can't say whether you've been called by God or not. That's between the two of you. All I know is that if you have been called, this is a part of the testing that prepares you for your ministry ahead.

George Barkley: Quite a test.

Jack Allen: And I also know that whenever we're tested, God is also there to give us strength. He never calls us to something that He won't empower us to do.

George Barkley: Jack, it all sounds so wonderful. But right now, I feel like I'm too exhausted to appreciate it.

Jack Allen: I understand. There's still hope, though.

George Barkley: There is?

Jack Allen: Sure. All this will change once you get on the other side of the seminary.

George Barkley: If I get on the other side of seminary.

Jack Allen: You really think you might quit?

George Barkley: I don't know, Jack. I just don't know.

Mary Barkley: George, is that you?

George Barkley: Hi, Mary. Oh, you're all here. Hi, kids.

Mary Barkley: Hey, Dad. We stopped at the hospital to see you, but Tom said you left to run some errands.

George Barkley: Yeah, I had to make some arrangements for church tomorrow and I've been walking for a while and doing some thinking. Why don't you all sit down?

Jimmy Barkley: Uh-oh. I remember what happened last time he said that.

Mary Barkley: Wait, Mary. Let me say this and get it over with.

George Barkley: Okay. I've been doing a lot of thinking and there's no other way to put it. I'm going to give up this whole scheme about being a minister.

Mary Barkley: What? George!

George Barkley: No, wait, let me finish. I can't do this to you anymore. You're my family. I love you too much to keep tearing us apart with my studying and working and everything.

The picnic today reminded me how much I miss doing things with you. I'm just tired of being tired all the time. I'm worn out with Greek and hermeneutics and expositional teaching, and I hate it that I have to nitpick over whether or not we can afford dog food or whether or not we have to sell the house.

I hate it that I'll have to sell the house. Maybe my calling to the ministry was a mistake of some sort. I got my wires crossed with God. I don't know, but I just think I should give it up. You deserve better than this. And that's all I wanted to say.

Mary Barkley: Well, what a surprise.

Donna Barkley: Yeah. What a twist. I guess we were wrong.

Jimmy Barkley: Boy, I never figured my dad would turn into a wimp right in front of my very eyes.

George Barkley: What? What are you talking about?

Mary Barkley: George, after you left this afternoon, we did a lot of thinking and praying of our own. And strangely enough, we came to the exact opposite conclusion.

George Barkley: What do you mean?

Mary Barkley: We realized that we need to rally around you more, pray for you while you study, help you with your responsibilities at the church, and give you a break when you can really relax, not just when we think it's a good idea.

George Barkley: That sounds good, Mary, but—

Mary Barkley: Uh-uh. It's our turn. I was with you when you went through the process to discern your call. We spent late nights talking about God's will, remember? And I don't think anybody made a mistake. God's call was and is real. And as your family, we're bound to keep you true to it, even if it means selling the house.

Donna Barkley: And finding a better home for Normal.

George Barkley: I don't know what to say.

Mary Barkley: Just say that you haven't given up. We won't if you won't.

George Barkley: Okay. It's a deal. But it's not that easy. I mean, things won't change. I have classes and responsibilities.

Mary Barkley: Mm-hm. More than you know.

George Barkley: What do you mean?

Mary Barkley: We had a long talk with Tom Riley at the hospital. As the head deacon at the church, he's going to ask you to fill in for the pastor while he recuperates.

George Barkley: What?

Mary Barkley: And as a member of the board of directors at the seminary, he's going to work out a reasonable study plan so you won't kill yourself trying to get a degree while you serve the church.

George Barkley: You're kidding.

Mary Barkley: Nope. Oh, and there was one other thing. What was it? Mm, I forget.

Jimmy Barkley: Mm, something about a raise in pay?

Mary Barkley: Was it? Oh, yes, I remember now. Well, the church wants to put you on a full-time salary, which probably means we won't have to sell the house, if my figures are right.

George Barkley: I'm speechless. Tom Riley really said all that? Really?

Mary Barkley: Would a pregnant woman lie to you? He said he'll talk to you about it at church tomorrow.

George Barkley: But I don't know what to say. I mean, are you really serious about this? You realize you just committed to God's calling for you, not just for me.

Mary Barkley: Yeah. I think so.

Jimmy Barkley: All for one and one for all, or something like that. I'm in.

Donna Barkley: Me too.

George Barkley: And the baby?

Mary Barkley: On behalf of the baby, yes.

George Barkley: Well, thank you. I say we should all rise to congratulate Odyssey Community Church's new kind of sort of in-between pastor for the time being. And our induction ceremony should end with some sundaes at Whit's End. What do you think?

Mary Barkley: Oh, great idea. I agree. Let's go. What about the phone?

George Barkley: If we hurry, it'll probably stop ringing. Let's go, hurry, come on.

George Barkley: Hello? Yes, this is George Barkley. No, that's all right; it's no bother. Tonight's fine. Of course, I'll come right over. No, wait. I'm sorry. Actually, can it wait until tomorrow? I was just going out with my family, and tomorrow afternoon would be a lot better. Great. Great, tomorrow then. Right. Thanks. Bye-bye. All right, Lord. It's only in Your strength. Only by Your strength. Mary, Jimmy, Donna, wait up!

Chris: I think the Barkleys have come a long way in understanding what it means to sacrifice to God for His service. But you can be sure there's a lot more for them to learn in the days ahead. We'll all have to wait and see.

Have you ever wanted to serve God but found it was harder than you thought? Why don't you write and tell me what happened? Just send your letter to Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Or in Canada, write to Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4G3.

And don't forget to ask how you can get a copy of today's episode. It's called "George Under Pressure." That address again is Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995.

Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. "George Under Pressure" was written and directed by Paul McCusker. Our production engineer was Dave Arnold, and our executive producer is Chuck Bolte. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.