Countdown

My right foot pressed on the gas pedal a little lower but I was keeping my attention aware not to go past the posted speed limit: 50 mph. It was the usual familiar trek as I went to work that night. The long street was illuminated by the dusky, yellow beams originating from tall lamp posts lined up in a neat row. While commercial businesses buildings were on both sides of the street until there were no more as the view of the correctional facility emerged.

I only got 10 minutes left to make it on time to the start of my shift.


9 minutes…I veered to the left carefully. At long last! I had made it to the alley-like road that led to the correctional facility I had been working in, for 9 years now. The outside yards were vast, barren and sometimes, little jack rabbits would dash in front of your car that would make you slam on your brakes as the darkness of the night covered the place. Trees were scattered on both sides of these front yards but there was a great clearance of space around the perimeter of the jail. Fortunately, the air was calm. Otherwise, a big hurl of dust and little stones could be hitting my windshield and the windows all around the car, obscuring my visibility sometimes.


8 minutes…Still slowly making my way toward the facility, instead of the usual police cars, three shadows of young males emerged on the left side of this road, happily walking away from the facility. Walking with shoulders brushing against each other’s, their denim jackets put over their shoulders and one wrapped around his waist, I could see their wide grins as the soft light from a nearby lamp post shone on their faces. Some tattoos were visible on their arms and even faces. One was bald, by choice I assumed. They were just released from the facility. Their happiness seemed to linger all over their atmosphere.


7 minutes…This newly-found freedom by these three men seemed to be a looming cause of celebration as their excited steps kept walking toward the bus station at one end outside that road I was driving on. One looked one more time behind him, as if to say “goodbye” to three thousand something inmates still locked up.


6 minutes…The shorter man on the right side was trying to see and was checking out who I was but unable to succeed as my car was tinted really dark on all sides. I could see them well but they couldn’t see me. I felt like they wanted to scream, “We are free! You won’t see us anymore!” And I was only responding to them through prayers that I was hoping that they wouldn’t commit anymore crimes so that they won’t be arrested and be brought back to the facility but instead be useful kind of citizens and not take their “freedom” for granted.


5 minutes...Seven swaying, graceful, tall palm trees met my gaze. One more turn and I was close to our staff parking. The correctional facility was now in full view as the chain link fence surrounded the perimeter and cameras were put strategically on some spots to monitor the place 24/7. The tiny windows were visible and only those little windows were the source of light for the people still incarcerated. The lawns around were kept green despite the drought we had been experiencing. Sprinklers were slowly spraying water all over. These lawns were mowed by some inmate workers. The flowers they planted and maintained. It looked beautiful, contrary to what was behind these thick walls.


4 minutes…The electronic gate swung open as I swiped my entry card. I thanked God for always giving me a parking close to the little entry gates, where staff walked in and out. It felt as if a specific spot was always reserved for me as I arrived.


3 minutes…I hurried my steps after opening the main door. I still had to walk through three controlled gates and be let in by those who controlled the doors. The older lady greeted me from the “Main Control” as she recognized me, wearing my usual badge, with my hands clutching my clear purse.


2 minutes…I was still walking but in deep thoughts, I prayed: “Lord, those three men I saw were very happy to walk away with their newly-found freedom. But here inside, three thousand more are left behind. Lord, I thank You for the new freedom I found in You. Thank You for the freedom that You give to those who believes in You. Because You want us to be free, You opted to die on the cross, to save us. Thank You that when we believe in what You have done, You promised Your gift of eternal life. Lord, I know that it will be a celebration like we haven’t known before when we leave this world . But it’s hard to look back and know that there are thousands more who are going to be left behind. Lord, plant the “seeds of faith” in their hearts for You are the Author of faith. And by having that, I pray that they will end up choosing to place their trust in You.
Lord, and for those of us who are already “free”, may we be filled with Your Holy Spirit that we don’t go back to the slavery [sins] we were in before. May we not take our “freedom” for granted because the cost was priceless. And that cost was “up on that wooden cross”. Thank You Lord for Your love and mercy. I love You.”


1 minute…the Infirmary Deputy waved at me as his left hand turned the knob that opened the double door going to the Clinic.


0 minute…The charge nurse and the rest of the staff greeted me. The PM shift nurses breathed a sigh of relief as my arrival and the other night shift crew, was a sign for them that their work was done. I was ready to face whoever the Lord would put in my way…By His grace, I’d be okay.

Even when morning shift comes, I can’t breathe a sigh of relief. For I know my work doesn’t stop there. My work is already marked long ago and only by His grace, it will be completed. And the countdowns will keep going on, as long as there are still many who are alive but spiritually dead. I must share about this freedom that Jesus freely gives. For the countdown will end, either when He returns or physical death comes to someone. The question remains – “Are you ready to face an eternal punishment or be saved and live forever with One True God?”






60 minutes…59…58…"You choose"…57…56….55….