Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: This Side of Paradise (not about the book) (07/14/11)
-
TITLE: Skuffer's Mission Field | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lisa Keck
07/21/11 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Skuffer had given himself his nickname. He loved skateboarding and surfing. His personality was a mix of his father and grandfather’s influences. He let his hair grow long which his father approved of. Just because he had to be straight laced and clean cut to be taken seriously as a banker didn’t mean he couldn’t appreciate the freedom his son was expressing. But Skuffer didn’t put money and the pursuit of it on a pedestal like his father did. He valued the faith his Grandpa Hank had encouraged him to develop.
After high school, he had a choice: go to the college of his father’s choice or set off on his own. For graduation his father took him on the trip of a lifetime to Australia. It was a surfing vacation, since his father still loved surfing. There’s no doubt that Australia has some of the best beaches and best waves, which are perfect ingredients for a surfer. The sixth most populous city in the country, Gold Coast City is located in the southeast corner of Queensland and is renowned for its sunny subtropical climate, popular surfing beaches and the canal systems. It’s the 70km of beaches and four epic point breaks (The Spit, Main Beach, Narrowneck, Palm Beach and Mermaid beach) that made people call it, the surfers’ paradise.*
It was a great time for father and son to bond. It was also the time that Skuffer realized he’d have to break that bond. Early in the morning, before his father woke up, Skuffer would spend time reading his Bible and praying. Like his grandfather, he was very concerned that people were too comfortable here and they needed to take the things of God a bit more seriously. Death would come to each man, Grandpa would tell the neighbors, and then it would be too late. Man needs to make a decision for Christ while he still has breath. On the last day of vacation Skuffer sat on the balcony of his hotel the sun rising in more brilliance than he’d ever known.
Something within him cried out that his grandfather was right but was going about it all wrong. People needed to see the light. They needed to see the beauty of Salvation and the promise of eternity in Heaven. Before ending his quiet time he prayed for strength to tell his father, who said he was a believer but only went to church when it was convenient.
“Actually son, I do understand.” Skuffer’s dad took another sip of his coffee as Skuffer let out a sigh of relief.
“You do?”
“Yes. I’ve always known you had a bit of your grandfather in you. In fact I admire your faith. Sure it’s a bit disappointing that you don’t want to join my investment firm but I won’t stop you if you feel this is what you are supposed to do. Let’s hit the waves.”
Skuffer hit the waves while his father watched from the beach. He mulled over the idea of his son surfing the world and telling others about a better paradise waiting. He took in the beauty that surrounded him and stopped to pray. It was an awkward prayer. He was used to asking for things but this time he was asking for God to become more real to him. He wanted the faith his father-in-law and son had. He wanted assurance that paradise was waiting. When Skuffer came in from surfing, his father had a surprise for him.
“Son, I know it seemed like I’d cut you off financially unless you went to college but I’ve decided to fund this mission trip of yours. It’s something you really believe in and with your charm I have no doubt you’ll be able to share your faith with anyone. You’ve opened my eyes. I’ve decided to go to church regularly and I’m going to start reading my Bible."
“That’s great Dad. Thanks. I’m glad we came to this piece of paradise.”
______________________________________________
*10 of the World’s Best Surf Spots: HotelClub Travel Blog posted by Alex Ion July 18, 2008
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Well written, and an enjoyable read.
But that aside, your story had strong, likable characters whose intertwining life-choice stories made a good read showing how our life-choices can and does affect and testify to others! We should all remember that as we go about our lives, so your story gives a great message!!