Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Write in the ROMANCE genre (04/19/07)
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TITLE: The Bench | Previous Challenge Entry
By Julie Jodock
04/25/07 -
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As we walk down the beach, I look ahead and slow down. “Why is the bench empty?” The old, weather worn bench on the beach holds one occupant every evening. An old man, sitting with his face toward the sunset, but with his eyes closed. Today he is not there. Jake looks up and me with his big brown eyes, wondering why we are slowing, so I pick up the pace and we keep walking.
Although I am softening to small town ways, I still find it difficult to start a conversation with a stranger. It still seems somewhat rude to interrupt someone in their personal time. But, today I am going to do it. I need to know. “Excuse me ma’am,” I gently call to a nearby woman in her mid 50’s, “Where is the older gentleman that always sits at that bench?” She looks up and a sad smile crosses her face. “I’m sorry to say that James passed away last night. We will all miss him terribly. He was such a joy.” I don’t know that I would have described him in that way; he always seemed fairly plain and didn’t seem like anyone special. He was always alone. “Oh, I’m sorry.” I reply. “May I ask why he always sat alone on that bench looking toward the sunset with his eyes closed? It always struck me as sort of odd.” A new type of smile comes now. A look of peace and something else. Is it longing?
She speaks gently, “Well, ever since he and Aurora were married, they would come down here after supper, sit at that bench and, holding hands, they would pray. Every day. Since they were twenty-three. And even after she passed on, he came. I think he probably felt closest to her there.” I silently listen to this small insight and feel small and mean for ever thinking that he seemed like an odd and boring old man. “Thank you so much for telling me that. I have been curious about him since I moved here. It’s a wonderful story.” She nods and then shakes her head, “It isn’t a story. It’s truth. Those two committed themselves to Jesus. They loved Him and each-other more than anything on this earth. And that love spilled over to everyone they met. They were the most loved and respected couple in this town. God gave them a simple life, filled with love and I believe that they are all having a wonderful time right now. Finally, they are all together and that love is complete. Wouldn’t life be wonderful if we all lived like that?” She smiled once more, nodded and turned away a bit sadly.
Jake looks up at me, anxious to continue our romp down the beach. But, I pause and look out over the water. I never really considered living the way that James and Aurora had. I wonder what it would be like. Could loving God be as romantic and peaceful as the woman had made it seem? Do people like James and Aurora exist in my generation? I’m sure there were struggles, but it sounds like they were able to give them up and live their entire lives together with God. An everlasting love that is true and good. Maybe I’ll give it a shot. “What do you think Jake?” He seemed to nod. “OK – well God, it looks like I’m going to try this. I want to love you and accept your love. Thank you for offering it to me.”
Peace settles over me and I reach down and let Jake off his leash. As he runs toward the water, I walk toward James and Aurora’s bench. I sit down, close my eyes and begin my new relationship.
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