The Hiding Place

I first read "The Hiding Place" in 8th grade. Now I am listening to it on audio, since ChristianAudio.com gave it away last month for free. When I was in 8th grade I remember doing the assigned reading without thinking much about the book other then the fact I had to read it for homework. Now, 17 years later, I’ve only listened to the first two chapters, and been moved to tears several times. The brevity of my life seems to be in my thoughts more since 8th grade. This book is dripping with the reminders of the brevity of life.

“It was a day for memories. A day for calling up the past. How could we have guessed as we sat there-two middle-aged spinsters and an old man- that in place of memories were about to be given adventures such as we had never dreamed of? Adventure and anguish, horror and heaven were just around the corner, and we did not know. Oh Father! Betsie! If I had known would I have gone ahead? Could I have done the things I did?

But how could I know? How could I imagine this white-haired man, called Opa-Grandfather-by all the children of Haarlem, how could I imagine this man thrown by strangers into a grave without a name? And Betsie, with her high lace collar and gift for making beauty all around her, how could I picture this dearest person on earth to me standing naked before a roomful of men?

In that room on that day, such thoughts were not even thinkable.” page 22-23

Enjoy your day, kiss your wife, play with your children, and rejoice in the blessings of your life!