Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Personal Peace (06/01/06)
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TITLE: The Great Return | Previous Challenge Entry
By Vicki Chappelear
06/08/06 -
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He finished his coffee, grabbed his book , and headed out the door. He went straight to work loading his cart. He whistled a cheerful tune as he took all of his unnecessary possessions (including his much loved flamboyant clothes) from his house. Last night he realized that he no longer needed to rely on these things as his security. So he loaded them on the cart. He hitched his donkey to the cart and made his way to town.
He couldn’t help but smile along the way. He was almost giddy as he flipped through his book, and looked over the names of the people, his clients, he would meet with today. They would be so surprised to see him and under these circumstances. At times, he actually chuckled out loud!
Upon arriving in town, he made his way to the market. He went about selling all of his earthly possessions, everything he once took so much pride in. These things once gave him worth, his identity, but now he was selling it all. The merchants were dumbfounded at his behavior, they thought for sure that he had gone mad. He was smiling and making jokes as usual but he had a sincerity that they had never seen in him before.
It took several hours to sell everything, but once he had all the money in his hand, he set out to complete part two of his mission. He opened his book and began going to the houses of the people he owed. With each door he knocked on, he felt more and more peace fill his heart. The response of each person allowed him to share his new joy.
He finally arrived at Maria’s house. Maria was as outspoken lady, who had questioned him many times in regard to his business dealings. He knew she would find his visit today odd, but he was ready with an answer.
“Good afternoon, Maria,” he said cheerfully as she opened the door.
She rolled her eyes when she saw him. “What do you want? Payment is not due for another two weeks! What, do you need some new flashy belt or something?”
“No, no! Today, I am giving you money!” he said happily and then turned serious, “I’ve realized that I had been dishonest, -- greedy, if you will,-- and I am here to ask your forgiveness and repay what I have taken unjustly. In fact, I am giving you four times what I have...” he hesitated, “stolen from you.” he said this as he handed her the money due her.
She took the coins slowly, and looked at him long and hard to make sure this is the man she thought it was. Finally, after a moment of silence she spoke, “Thank you. I just have one question to ask you. Zacchaeus, what has gotten into you?”
“Jesus!” He said with a smile. “I met Jesus.”
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