Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Write a Travelogue (11/06/14)
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TITLE: Journey to the Inner Limits | Previous Challenge Entry
By Linda Gage
11/13/14 -
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Before sleep TV is background noise that staves off thoughts of the day’s troubles; at 1 am it becomes the trigger.
0110 Click - Silence is a black hole that screams to be filled.
0115 “There’s a stack of paperwork; I have to call Mr. Smith by 9 a.m. Go see grandkids, order supplies, fire John. STOP!”
0120 His eyes pop open to the full moon’s beam striking his face.
0125 “‘Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.’ The high school group is coming for a tour of the plant…… ‘Thy will be done. . .’ Is it thy will that I work so much? ‘Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive . . .’ I’ll never forgive Liz.”
His leg stretches to the empty side of the bed.
“‘lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. . .’ and deliver Ed from alcohol.”
0210 sleep ensues.
0500 Buzz! Buzz! He hits snooze a couple of times then rolls over.
“Dear God, thank you for this day. Great! It’s Friday. I’ll call Ed and set up our tennis game for Sunday. Help me today in all my decisions, please guide me. . . Oh the tour, need to let Marsha know . . . Lord, thank you for my kids and please be with them today and I guess bless Liz too, wherever she is. Probably with Steve. That %#* man. Sorry, Lord!”
0530 Need coffee. Ugh, burnt toast again. Liz never burnt it. He resists slamming the toaster in the trash.
0600 Traffic is stopped as usual! “Well at least it’s time for my favorite radio preacher.”
“Romans 12:2 says ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed. . .’“
Click - “I know it’s only rock and roll. . . that’s more likely to get me moving!”
0700 Smiling ear to ear, “Gooood morning Marsha!”
Then his tone changes, “John, in my office. Now!”
“John, we have video of you putting things in the dumpster and picking them out later. That’s stealing. Your choice is to leave now or stay and we will press charges”
“Boss, let me explain, Please, I need this job. I promise. I won’t ever do it again, please. I have kids and a wife.”
“John, leave or I’ll call security.”
He reminds Marsha about the tour, places an order to ACE supply company and calls Mr. Smith before 9 am. He grabs the stack of paperwork and laughs to himself as he thinks, “If only my autograph were worth more.”
Noon He and Marsha go to a nearby restaurant.
1800 He surmises that after a few more business calls he will leave for the day.
1830 “Hello, hello, I know it’s you. I have caller ID. Stop calling me or I will get a court order against you for harassment. Answer me!” Click. He just wanted to hear her voice.
2000 He answers his cell phone, “Oh no I forgot! I’m sorry. Yes, I’m still at work. . . They’re in bed! Already? Yeah, okay. Tell ‘em, grandpa will be there tomorrow.” He sighs and makes the promise.
2100 The drive home is too quiet. “Oh God why me? Help me be a better father and grandfather. At least better than I was at being a husband. What is your will for me Lord?”
2300 Frozen dinner then TV reruns distract his thoughts until sleep arrives.
2330 “My son, It’s ME! My will for you is to be transformed by the renewing of your mind with MY Word, then you can test my will of grace, mercy and forgiveness. . .”
0100 “Order now and receive a FREE bonus gift!” The loud voice erupts and invades his sleep.
0110 He snaps the television off and tosses and turns until . . . “’Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.’ John must be desperate, maybe I will give him another chance. ‘On earth as it is in heaven.’ I will give Ed a call and invite him to church Sunday. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those . . .”
The mind is a battlefield. Travel it with the Lord.
Matt 6:9-13
Romans 12:2
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