Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher

eyes, both shaken and soothed by the unexpected encounter.
    It’s about Me tonight. No one but Me .
    It was Trevor’s own voice he heard in his head, yet the words didn’t feel like his own thought. Once again he had the feeling he was in the presence of something beyond himself. Someone beyond himself.
    The song came to an end. With the last chord still reverberating in the air, Chet began to pray. Like the song before it, the words of the prayer were simple, filled with love and trust. Different from the lofty kind of prayers Trevor had often heard in public gatherings. It made him think of Brad. The kid had had a quiet but strong faith. Brad had never hesitated to answer questions anybody asked about his beliefs, and he’d never seemed offended when those asking the questions weren’t quick to agree with him. He hadn’t joined other members of the band in drinking or womanizing as they traveled from gig to gig, and yet nobody had felt judged by him either. How had he managed to carry that off?
    Chet’s “Amen” drew Trevor out of his musing. When others grabbed their Bibles, so did he. Chet told the group to open to a chapter in Romans. Trevor was thankful he at least knew Romans was in the New Testament, although it seemed to take him too long to find the right place. The never-opened pages seemed to stick together in groups of twos and threes.
    A glance at Rodney Cartwright’s Bible proved the same couldn’t be said of it. The open pages—obviously well read—had many highlighted and underlined passages. Handwritten notes filled the margins: top, bottom, and sides.
    Chet began reading the designated passage. Trevor’s translation was slightly different, but he was able to follow along.

    As the other men in the Bible study began to discuss the passage in Romans, Rodney remembered something his son had said in one of their last telephone conversations.
    â€œDad, Trevor’s a little rough around the edges, but he’s got a good heart. He’s so hungry for God.”
    Rodney glanced toward Trevor and realized that God was already answering the prayer he’d whispered a few days ago. It was as if Brad’s friendship with the singer had been transferred into Rodney’s heart, full and complete. Deep and unexpected affection for Trevor washed over him.
    One after another, he recalled things his son had told him, both in e-mails and when they talked on the phone. Mostly stories about Trevor. The kindnesses he had shown toward others. The words of encouragement he’d spoken to Brad. The loneliness that came with being on the road so much of the time. The times Brad had awakened and couldn’t remember what town or city they were in. And eventually, the questions Trevor had begun asking about what Brad believed, about his faith.
    Rodney was startled when he heard Chet begin the closing prayer. How had he allowed his thoughts to wander for the entire discussion? Had any of the other men noticed hislack of attention? He feared it would have been hard for them not to notice.
    A short while later, as the group began to break up for the night, Rodney turned toward Trevor. “Did you enjoy the evening?”
    â€œYes.” Trevor shrugged. “I got lost in some of the discussion. I can’t claim to know my Bible well.”
    â€œThat comes with time, son.” He put a hand on Trevor’s shoulder. “And remember, following Christ is a lifelong journey. Christians are foot soldiers, so to speak. Always on the march. Always learning. Always growing stronger.”
    Trevor grunted. “I hope you’re right.”
    â€œI am.” Rodney stood, and his back gave him a painful twinge. He rubbed the sore spot with his left hand.
    Trevor noticed. “Sir, I don’t work tomorrow.” He rose too. “I thought I’d come out and help feed the cows and whatever other chores you might have for me. In fact, if you’ll