Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: At Wit’s End (02/13/14)
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TITLE: Reflections of Jesus | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sarah Wipf
02/20/14 -
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“Have a great practice!” I hollered to my maturing 6th grader as he hopped out of the car and ran towards the gym for basketball practice. Accepting the reality that kisses on the cheek in the school parking lot are no longer permissible, I sigh as I ponder how quickly he has grown. My loose hair whips my face as I smile at another dear mother dropping off her two young, growing men. “What a gorgeous day!” She exclaims. I nod in agreement but manage to slip in a quick complaint about the constant, South Dakota wind. Instantly, I catch myself and marvel at the fact that we are standing outside in sweatshirts without shivering that particular sunny, February day. My mood shifting, I share that I had brought the stroller and was going to take a long walk with my two youngest children that were still patiently waiting inside the car. The thought seemed inviting to her, but I could sense something more was plaguing her heart.
This sweet woman of God had been an inspiration to my Christian walk throughout the past several years. There had not been any singular event that had left such an impression on me, rather it was her demeanor – her evident maturity in Christ, and her contagious joy. Our lives had connected as a result of our children sharing grade levels and friendship. Throughout the years, I had felt so blessed to be sharing this journey with such a seasoned and compassionate woman. She certainly was someone I had grown to admire.
As we continued exchanges, I jokingly asked if her husband was ready to chaperone the middle school youth retreat this upcoming weekend. She gasped and proceeded to share with me that her husband's father was not doing well. He had some unexplained bleeding the night before and family members were faced with the difficult decision as to whether or not he was healthy enough to endure a surgery to fix the bleeding. She shared how his father was weak and had other underlying health issues that would make the surgery extremely risky, but there was no other option. Her brother in law had called at one o' clock that morning to allow her husband to say his last goodbyes to the man that had raised and loved him. As I stood there listening intently, her heart now transparent, she conveyed to me how painful this whole process had been on her entire family.
Once her husband had expressed his goodbyes and gratitude to his treasured father, countless tears had been shed and the grieving process had begun, they later got the call saying surgery had been a success. So there she sat...soaking it all in- the warm, winter sun, and the realization that the process would continue. The process of not knowing what each day would bring. It was at that moment that she shared her parents, too, had been very ill and battling dementia for the past twenty years. Twenty years of being at her wit's end.
Who knew? As I stood there, amazed at all my friend had endured, all while radiating and exuding the light and love of Jesus, I was overcome with empathy and respect. I marveled at the fact that she never seemed to question the existence of God, the goodness of God, or even waver as to whether or not He loved her. The biggest question she pondered was not her faith but what lesson God had for her throughout the entire, grueling process. Little did she know, her lesson had been well-learned. She was facing each unpredictable day, at her wit's end, reflecting Jesus.
We conversed for a bit longer and when it was time to leave, she walked gingerly to her car as she commented with a smile, “Maybe this is God's way of teaching me humility.” She giggled a little and slipped into her vehicle. Leaving me with the realization, 'No, my friend...that lesson was for me'.
Thank you, sweet friend, for loving Jesus and letting your light shine in the midst of years shadowed by pain.
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” -Revelation 21:4 NKJV
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Excellent work!
God bless~
I'm not sure if I've read a better explanation of spiritual maturity than this, "The biggest question she pondered was not her faith but what lesson God had for her throughout the entire, grueling process."
Great stuff. Keep writing, please.
Just a little note about your dialogue: you should start a new paragraph when the speaker changes.
This story has such a sweet and yet poignant message. I look forward to reading more of your work!
It flowed well to its conclusion but I think it would benefit by being broken up into more paragraphs.
Good Job!
God bless~