Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Sightseeing (08/08/05)
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TITLE: Niagara Falls | Previous Challenge Entry
By Anita Neuman
08/12/05 -
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She frowned and bit into her bologna sandwich. Where was the justice in the world? Li worked hard at her job, often working a double shift, and never taking holidays – and she barely made ends meet. Meanwhile, the stupid people she served at the casino wasted most of their lives and all of their money on the pathetically slim chance that they might strike it rich. Why was she stuck with bologna and tap water while they dined on t-bone steak and expensive wine?
Li suspected there was a God, simply because she watched the Falls every day and couldn’t deny the possibility of a Creator. But His hands-off approach to caring for His creation really irked her. She often dared Him to prove her wrong, to show Himself as the loving, personal God that other people seemed to think He was. He never did.
Phil clutched his son’s hand. The excitement was tangible, like a current of electricity coursing through their bodies. They were in the tunnel, approaching the Falls from behind. The deafening roar echoed all around them, making conversation nearly impossible. There was nothing to say anyway. No words could fully express their wonder at the moment, at being able to share it together. Phil stepped to the side, pulling Nathan over to feel the moisture on the wall. They poked wet fingers at each other and laughed at the amused expressions on the faces of the other tourists.
Phil reached for Nathan’s hand again and they continued towards the end of the tunnel and the wall of pouring, roaring water. He hadn’t been there in years, but he knew his memory couldn’t have exaggerated or diminished the awesomeness of the falls. He was giddy as he experienced it again for the first time, through the dancing eyes of his son.
The power, the timelessness, the sheer size of it all staggered him. It assured him that life was bigger than himself. Somehow it made him feel like there was a larger purpose than the day-to-day chaos of living. He didn’t know what that purpose was, but he knew it was out there somewhere. Someday he’d find it and be able to share that excitement with his son as well.
Sharon watched the Falls. The water rushed continuously over the edge, each gallon replaced by another one right behind it. The flow was endless. Monotonous. Pointless. Individual drops didn’t exist. They couldn’t in such a rushing, consuming crowd.
She watched the mist rise to meet her. It swirled out of the violence below, floated on clashing currents of air, then beckoned her as it dissipated.
Sharon knew it would be quick. She could go in upriver and be swept along, and no one would be stupid enough to try and save her. She wouldn’t reach the rocks alive. She’d probably drown before she even reached the precipice and she’d miss the thrill of the fall. But the end would be the same. She’d be obliterated by the impact and get carried away into nothingness on the rising mist.
The Father watched His children as they came and went from the Falls. He had created this very spot so that His people would be drawn to Him. Hurting hearts should find refuge in the size and strength displayed here. Doubting hearts should be assured of His faithfulness.
He spoke loving words to Li’s heart, calling her to trust in Him. He opened welcoming arms to Phil, inviting him to believe. He surrounded Sharon with angels, protecting her for another day. He sought to meet the needs of thousands more, even as they turned away from Him again. His heart cried out to theirs, and He wept the tears that they’d come to see.
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