Chalkface: Looking for the Hope

Freddy was often late, and when challenged, he always offered some lame excuse. I suspect he had developed a taste for cigarettes, the smell of which seemed to follow him around. He assured me otherwise, though it is clear he was either a liar or he had a part time job on a Virginian tobacco plantation. One day, I saw him strutting across the quadrangle over which my classroom looked at a time when I was meant to be teaching him GCSE. I had put on a documentary for the rest of his class, so the room was suitably dark. I positioned myself by the door and waited the arrival of my tardy charge. Sure enough, the door opened.

“And where have you been?”, I yelled. “Smoking, I shouldn’t wonder! Do it in your own time, if you must, and not in mine!”

“Hello, Mr Marsden”, replied the headmaster gently. “I do not smoke, but I thank you for the advice. I am sorry to disturb your lesson, but I wondered if I might show you the provisional timetable for this year's enrichment week”.

Freddy had not even bothered to come to lesson, disappearing who-knows-where. I had a good relationship with the Head, and we recalled the incident at his retirement ‘do’ several years later. Freddy ended up in prison, or so I heard, where his smoking probably continues, though his time keeping likely improved.

Lots of Christians I know are seeking the antichrist, poring over reports and articles to try and identify this perfidious fiend who will rule the world ahead of Jesus' return. No, watch for someone better, whose arrival will be thrilling and wonderfully more rewarding:

…looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, Titus 2:13, NKJV