The One I Need To Talk To

GUEST BLOGGER: Karen Guzman Greenwood

Years ago, I read a short story titled “Talking to Charlie.” I can’t remember the author’s name or where it was published, but I’ve never forgotten the story. It centers on a newly divorced man who has taken a leave from his job in the tech field to grieve his divorce.

As he considers the choices and mistakes he’s made and the strange new place he finds himself in, the man reminds himself that, amidst all the upheaval in his life, the “one I should be talking to is Charlie.” Charlie is his boss at the tech company and is key to helping the man keep, at least, his career on track.

This “Charlie” takes on an almost mythic, all-powerful quality in the story. In my reading, I understood Charlie to be a stand-in, a metaphor, for God.

I had eye surgery in May. An unexpected and frightening condition popped up, and the experts recommended a surgery which would entail a long recovery. To say I was scared is an understatement. Signing the lengthy liability release form, a catalogue of any- and everything that could go wrong, didn’t help. Like anyone, I reached out and shared my concerns with those I trust—family members, church friends, colleagues. A lot of very good people have been praying for me, and they have helped so much.

Along the way, I also recalled the Charlie story, and I realized that while my friends and family have been critical, “the one I really should be talking to is Jesus.”

I had been talking to Him in prayer, but somehow, I saw anew that He is the singular most important one I need to turn to and lean on. First. Other people are a blessing and a gift, but Jesus is in it in a way that only He can be. Bringing my situation to Him and remembering that His sufficient grace is enough was what I needed most. And I was so grateful to be reminded. I am still in recovery, and it’s not easy, but I know the one I need talk to.