Writing Mini-Challenge: Describe what it's like to approach God with confidence.
Alanna’s heart was so full it was stifling her, choking her. She wasn’t sure she would be able to stand another minute inside walls. Finally she was free and flew toward the door. Outside in the sunshine with a light breeze fluttering her hair, blue sky above her and grass tickling her bare feet, she at least felt as though she could breath.
It took only a minute to reach The Spot. She stood in the clearing and turned ‘round and ‘round. The sun dappled the many greens of the trees’ leaves and the sky was so textured and blue she felt she could drown in it.
Alanna wasn’t sure whether she wanted to cry or laugh. She did a little of both. “Oh, God, I knew this day would come someday, but here it is—right now!” The memory of all the times she had knelt right here overwhelmed her and she cried in earnest. At times rain had poured down on her, seeming as though the sky itself was joining in her anguish over her sister; her best friend who had gone on a journey of rebellion from which some thought she would never return.
“And the timing of it, Lord! For you to have Margaret return, walk in, even as we were praying for her.” Alanna shared a little giggled with her Friend. “The look on Lizzy’s face!” Alanna had invited an unsaved friend to Bible study that day. “Now I know you were saving Margaret’s homecoming—guiding the timing so it would be just perfect to bring two into the family.”
“Thank You, thank You!” For a time there was nothing more to say—just being there, side-by-side with her God, was enough. Then praise came—a song welling up from the depths of her soul, filling the air with joy.
The very twinkling of the sun on the leaves, the butterfly’s dance, the flowers bobbing their heads, it seemed a reflection of their Creator’s joyous laughter. Alanna joined the dance, swirling around and around in the very epitome of joy. The laughter of the Creator filled them, filled the whole earth and spilled into the heavens so that even the pale children’s moon joined in the glee.
“Alanna?” Somehow Alanna wasn’t surprised to see her sister standing on the edge of the field. It was the right timing, a part of the dance. She exchanged a grin with her Friend and held out her hands to Margaret.
Margaret ran to her and they spun, laughing and squealing until they fell to the grass, letting the earth continue its dance around them.
