Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Reading (01/25/07)
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TITLE: Reading Others' Hearts | Previous Challenge Entry
By Maureen Perreault
01/27/07 -
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I contemplate my confinement in my tiny cubicle where I live, work, and see the world only from within its glass enclosure. The outside vista of normality calls to me like a ghostly experience now faded with time. My solace seems to only be times after my long driving shift when I slip away to my cramped bunk to study Holy Scriptures. A well worn Bible, my only companion and instruction, gets me through days of my seemingly thankless occupation.
Suddenly, my reverie returns to reality as I focus again on my present surroundings, observing another passerby. A young girl is standing alone by the water fountain. She looks discouraged, frightened, and shows marks of a recent beating. I approach her and wait patiently for her to speak. Reluctantly she relates that her father told her to go to truckers for help if she needs to escape from her abusive partner. Reading panic in her eyes, a feeling of overwhelming compassion shoots through my heart. I give her an understanding look and offer my cell phone. Soon she has her father on the line and makes plans for him to meet her at the rest area. While waiting for her father to arrive, we share some of my sandwiches while I tell her about Jesus’ love for all of his children, even the ones who are broken hearted. As her father pulls up in his truck, she has made a decision to ask Jesus into her heart and I lead her in reciting the sinner’s prayer. My spirit seems light as we embrace and she leaves safely with her parent.
I contemplate her born again life as an older couple goes by. He, a shaggy bearded trucker, and she, his partner, appear worn out. The man seems indifferent to life while the woman has obviously given up trying to look attractive settling for drab clothes and greasy hair.
I wonder if those people are believers and are able to feel love and comfort from the Word as they face their daily trials over the road. I decide to speak to them and try to witness, yet they are indifferent to my words about God’s promises. Maybe, I have planted a seed so they will surrender to our Lord and place their hurts at the foot of His cross.
My respite now finished, I climb up into my truck and settle down on my bunk studying and reread my favorite passages. I know that in some small way my witness has encouraged others today.
As I read, I pray, “Dear God, please allow me to make my walk with you meaningful. As I read the Word, let it remain in me to help others for your glory. I know you see my eyes and feel my heart reading your words of hope. Please fill me with the Holy Spirit, and let me do my best in your honor out here in this broken world. Amen.”
The comfort of the Lord covers me like a warm blanket as I fall asleep clutching my Bible and blissfully dreaming of when I will be with Jesus in Heaven where there will be no more tears, hardships, or pain. My earthly trials diminish as I sleep peacefully.
In my dreams I hear God calling me. Turning toward His tender voice I hear, “Well done my daughter. Your purpose for me on earth is more meaningful than you possibly can imagine.”
I awaken with a renewed spirit and go on my way knowing that my job is not meaningless anymore.
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