Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Valentine (05/16/05)
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TITLE: A Better Valentine Gift | Previous Challenge Entry
By John Lindsay
05/22/05 -
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“Sam, where are you?” she sobbed. “Where are you?”
She had never felt as alone as she did this Valentine morning, the day she so wanted to cuddle up in her boyfriend’s arms.
“I’ll be back in an hour,” Sam had said as he set out for a run the night before. But twelve hours later there was no sign of him, and because she hardly knew the area, Julie had no idea where to start searching.
She had been so sure of herself when they came here. Pleased everything had gone smoothly despite her parents’ warnings.
“We can’t stop you,” her father had said, “but your mother and I know you’re doing the wrong thing. We’ve tried to show you and teach you God’s standards, and running away with your boyfriend isn’t going to make you happy.”
But Julie was sure her parents were wrong.
She and Sam had known each other for five years, a quarter of their lives. They loved each other. They were so happy together.
Leaving home last week had been a great adventure. They had been very responsible about it, finding jobs in a popular tourist town and renting a furnished cottage on a farm only ten minutes away.
Everything had been perfect - until today. Now she was frightened. Now she wanted someone to tell her what to do.
A noise on the front porch catapulted Julie into action, but in her haste she tripped on a rug and heard a vehicle driving away when she finally opened the door.
On the step lay a courier package addressed to her.
Who knew she lived here? Only Sam, and the farmer who owned the cottage.
Julie made her way back to the kitchen in search of scissors. At home she always knew where to find things, but not here. Frustrated, she grabbed a knife and cut the bag to expose a parcel wrapped in gold foil. Attached to it a note with the words, “Hi pigeon, Happy Valentine”.
It was from Sam! But where was he?
Struggling to control her fear, Julie fingered the gift, not wanting to open it until she knew Sam was safe.
A few minutes later her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. This time she discovered a policeman outside, and her eyes widened in terror as a question formed in her mind. What did he know about Sam?
“We think you can help us,” said the officer, waving his ID in front of her.
Julie stared, trying to focus her attention.
“Do you know someone who jogs in this area?” the officer continued.
“Yes, my boyfriend, Sam,” Julie blurted out, searching the expression on his face for information.
“My boyfriend,” she repeated, “but I haven’t seen him since he left about an hour before sunset last night. Do you know where he is?”
“Perhaps. I’d like you to come with me.”
“Where?”
“The hospital.”
Fifteen minutes later Julie was being introduced to the hospital chaplain, a soft faced woman about her mother’s age.
“I’m Susan,” she said with a smile. “I’ll come with you if you like.”
The alarm on Julie’s face suggested her answer was “yes” although she said nothing.
The doctors had an unidentified patient, Susan informed her. Victim of a hit-and-run. Their only clue, an address written on his hand.
Julie reached for the comfort of Susan’s embrace when she reached the recovery room and saw Sam still and pale on the bed, emerging from the anaesthetic. A broken leg and badly bruised shoulder, the doctor reported after learning who the young man was, but he would heal.
“Thank God you’re going to be all right,” Julie murmured when she and Sam were finally on their own.
“Thank God,” he repeated, automatically.
The words exploded in her mind as she realised it was the first time either of them had mentioned God for months.
In the excitement of romance and the certainty of youth they had turned their backs on God, spurning His seemingly petty and restrictive standards.
How surprised they were when the weeks of Sam’s recovery became a journey of delight and wonder as they unwrapped a Valentine from God. A gift of love with the power to set them free to enjoy His best.
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