Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Patience (08/21/08)
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TITLE: Tatiana's Lesson | Previous Challenge Entry
By Pamela Kliewer
08/26/08 -
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The Master had asked her to meet Him at the pool in the middle of the forest, as He had something He wished to discuss with her.
Tatiana always found pleasure in going to the pool – flowers of every kind surrounded it – their brilliant hues delighting her eyes, their scents intoxicating. There was also a myriad of trees, offering cool shade on a hot day. One tree had always intrigued her. It was always full of fruit – varied in size, color and texture. She was determined to ask the Master about it today, certain He would be able to tell her about it.
Approaching the pool she noticed the Master sitting near its edge, His white garments shimmering in the sunlight just peeking through the trees. His right hand trailed in the water, His brow furrowed, as if in thought.
As He saw her approach, His eyes filled with gladness, and He rose to meet her. “Tatiana, I’m happy you have come to meet with Me today,” He said as He embraced her.
Settling into His embrace, Tatiana felt warmth flow through her. She pulled back, looking into His eyes. Conviction suddenly filled her heart. “Master what is it? What is it you need to talk with me about? Please, I cannot bear the anguish my soul feels at this moment.”
“Ah, Tatiana, girl of the tender heart. Keep that always, as it will keep you pure. Child, see this tree?” He motioned to the tree she wanted to ask Him about.
“Yes, Master, I was going to ask You about it this very morning.”
“There is something you have need of from this tree. You actually need all that is represented here, but one of the fruit in particular.” He said, His voice filled with compassion.
Tatiana’s eyes widened. She had longed for quite some time to taste of this fruit. Fear had held her back. She looked at Him, her eyes questioning.
“This tree is the fruit of the Holy Spirit and the one I want to talk to you about today is patience.”
Tatiana blushed, feeling the heat rise in her face. She pictured herself just this morning, impatient at the smallest things. Water for her bath taking too long to heat atop the wood stove, her brush getting caught in the tangles of her curly brown hair, her little sister asking numerous questions and she snapping at her in response, “Just be quiet! I have much to do and you’re being a nuisance.”
She had left her sister in tears as she came to meet with the Master. The conviction she felt earlier became stronger. Dropping her head, her eyes filled with tears that soon spilled over, falling silently to the ground. So painful was the realization of her impatience, her body ached knowing the hurt she had caused not only her Master, but her young sister as well.
“Tatiana.” The Master spoke her name with such love, it compelled her to raise her head and look into His eyes.
What she saw there astounded her.
Not irritation, anger, or disgust.
But patience.
In that moment she knew, with startling clarity, where she could learn patience.
Sitting at His feet, daily.
With just a look the Master had spoken clearly to her heart. She began to weep tears of contrition.
The Master took her in his arms, held her head to His chest and smoothing her hair, sang a love song just for her. Her soul filled with unspeakable joy as she turned from Him, eager to make amends with her sister.
Her heart was now as clear as the deep blue pool she loved so much. Forgetting about the hem of her skirt, she began to run, tripping and falling. “Oh! These blasted…”
“Daughter, patience…”
“Oh Master, will I ever learn?” Tatiana inquired, looking up at Him, her face colored with shame.
“Yes, child. Keep your eyes on Me. You will learn.”
Rising, she gave Him a quick hug, and lifting her skirts, took off running again.
Time passed. Tatiana grew in serenity as she spent time with the Master of patience, learning from Him what the word meant and how to employ it in her life.
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One suggestion... Consider not capitalizing all the pronouns at first. Let people suspect that the Master is God, but let them wonder for a bit too.
Over all, a great story. We all need to remember Who teaches us!
Great piece!