Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Bold (emotionally) (08/30/07)
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TITLE: Jacob's Well | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lisa Claro
09/05/07 -
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My father was a master stonecutter, but finding work was difficult and we moved from place to place. Our destination was Judea, and we traveled by way of Samaria intending only to pass through, but Father found work, so we stayed near Sychar.
Our encampment was close to a water source called Jacob’s Well. As we passed we saw women gathered there filling urns. They said nothing, nor did we. As Jews, Mother said it was best if we kept to ourselves. I remained mute but offered a quick smile to one of the women, pleased to see her mouth lift in response.
After we were settled, Mother said we needed more water. I begged to go alone to the Samarian well and Mother agreed. She gave me a bucket and told me to be quick.
As I neared the well I saw there was a man there, talking to the woman with whom I had exchanged a smile. He requested a drink and she said she was surprised he was talking to her, as he was a Jew and she was a Samaritan. The man said something about “living water” and my pounding heart made me bold, so I drew closer.
The man was plain. Still, I could not look away. I strained to hear his words and even for one so young I felt their vast import with every ounce of my being.
“I am He.” He said.
There was a group of men walking toward the well. He ignored their approach and turned to me. My cheeks flamed with the embarrassment of discovery, but his dark eyes smiled.
That wonderfully timbered voice said, “Hello, Rebecca. I’ve been waiting for you, small one.” He held out his hand and waited for me to grasp it. He was a stranger and I should have been afraid, but my heart leapt and I limped toward him, mysterious joy making me bold. I dropped my walking stick and reached my hand for his even as my other clutched the empty bucket.
In that instant I saw there was nothing about me he did not know. In his eyes were my childish fears, wishes, hopes, dreams and prayers. They were somehow held in his heart, and were being protected there.
With great tenderness he squeezed my hand. “Go now,” he said, releasing me. “I will be with you always.”
The men reached the well and assessed the situation. The Samaritan woman lifted her robes and ran toward the village yelling with excitement. No one noticed me. I was invisible, either because of my shriveled limb or young age. Children were of little consequence, especially a dirty and deformed tatterdemalion.
He looked at the men with affection and his dancing eyes revealed amusement that their tongues were in such fierce competition. Curiosity about his exchange with the woman was veritably seeping from their pores, yet none had the temerity to question him. He glanced my way and with a luminous smile of reassurance nodded for me to leave.
Still clutching the bucket I turned and ran back to my family. Their eyes widened in surprise at the sight of me, and I fell into my mother’s arms and was babbling before I realized I had run the entire way on two strong, perfect legs...and my bucket, which I had forgotten to fill, was brimming with clear, cool water.
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That day is burned into my heart, and though I am an old woman now, I can bring my senses there again. It feels such a serene relief to close these tired eyes. And yes, there it is! The sweet smell of the late morning air is upon me, and the glow of the sun on my skin. As I approach Jacob’s Well this time, I am whole. I can see Him with His arms outstretched. He is expecting me, waiting for me, even as He was then, and with the boldness of sure love I run to my Savior.
Do not weep for me, beloved. I have waited a lifetime to return to Jacob’s Well. At last...I am here.
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