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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Clarify (10/15/15)
I was leaving my daughter, my grandson, my son-in-law and their beautiful home on the big Island of Hawaii. This was my second visit, this time I had stayed six amazing weeks. I would long hold tight the memories of the beauty and warmth of my daughter and her husband, the joy of my four year old grandson going from shyly peeking in my bedroom door in the mornings to a gleeful racing to jump on my bed shouting,"are you awake yet grandma?" There was snuggling moments, long walks at the top of a jungly hill, a wonderment in my bright and curious four year old grandson. We swam nearly everyday at Turtle Beach, a playground for the great sea turtles who curiously followed us.
This time in Hawaii had been the beginning of a new season in my life. I was retiring early from the hospital I had worked at for over fifteen years, starting my own small HomeCare business on the side. The stress of a very volatile and demanding job had begun to take its toll, and at Sixty-three I was exhausted, ready to move on, and I wanted to write. This would supposedly give me the time and energy I would need. Working only about fifty hours a month at my new business, I could in theory give a regular number of hours to writing. Going home would be much more than returning to the old routine of my life.
As my mind wandered to the thoughts of going home, I began to wonder what I was doing. It had all seemed so plausible, so bathed in prayer, in counsel, in thought and hope. I had become blinded to the tangled web I had woven, trying desperately too make my own, and my youngest daughters future “secure." I knew this next portion of my life would be a journey of day to day trusting God for the details of my life. I wasn't used to operating that way, and I began to get anxious about all the unknowns that lay ahead. Still, I longed to grow in faith, to rest in the goodness I knew The Lord intended for me. I understood that no matter what the details looked like, nothing in my life would be outside of my Father's holy and righteous intentions. This time I was not just "going home." I would instead be stepping into a new life of faith, very different from it had been before. In the past I had misplaced my faith often, put it in my job first. Coming to the realization that I was depending on my job above Jesus had been the first of many wake-up calls, ones I knew I must listen to. Still the thought of such a drastic change scared me. I needed to take captive the circus of doubts vying for attention in my mind. Finally I managed to shut them down, as I settled onto the plain home. Closing my eyes, I whispered a prayer for the strength to believe. Then, soon after, sleep gently had its way.
I was awakened by the stewardess asking which entree I wanted for dinner. After downing the "gourmet" tv dinner and stretching my legs a bit I decided on another nap. The chaotic world I was flying home to was in the hands of the One who spoke quietness into my heart. With a sigh of relief I knew sleep would once again win its battle. All the fuzzy details would be made known in His time; Jesus had more than my back, He was holding me in the palm of His hand.
Stepping off the plane, into the forty degree difference in temperature, I was home. The bright warm air, the cheery colorful clothes and happy smiles were replaced by the crisp autumn air, soft earth-tone colors and averted eyes. Gray was everywhere. I pulled my jacket closely around me and sighed. The task ahead seemed daunting, but I realized that is what Jesus does in a life. Brightens, lifts, and adds color. I would work to believe in His gift of grace, knowing whatever blocks in the path ahead He would break down.
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This article has been read 410 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Donna Powers
10/23/15
I think many can relate to this account. When our lives are in chaos, we wait for Him to resolve it. Some of us get impatient. This story reminds us to trust fully in Him
Judy Sauer 
10/26/15
Quite a mental journey for your MC. Adding blank lines between paragraphs would make this so much easier to read. I can relate to some of the retirement plight.

Noticed comma errors. Encourage you to check out Jan's Writing Basics on the Forum. The lessons are quite helpful.

Keep writing.
Pat Small
10/26/15
First of all,more white space please. A few technical items which may be typos.
Para. 1 WERE snuggling moments Para 3 trying desperately TO and also daughter's (possessive) and 3 PLANE not plain
It was interesting though to share in someone's doubts and struggles
Larry Whittington
10/27/15
Good thoughts about trusting in God's way no matter where it turned.

Many retiring on Social Security need to read this and develop a trust and acceptance in God's way.

Good writing. Spell checker was correct but airplane is plane instead of plain.
Gary Isaacson 
10/27/15
I really enjoyed your entry here. It kept me engaged. There's something so cleansing in writing about our thoughts, meditations and experiences. The greatest thing about your entry for me. Was that your words produced a "mental movie" in my mind. Your words allowed me to share your experience. I could see the vistas, the body language, and even hear the tone of the voices in the various character's dialogue. I've taught for years that communication is: 60% body language - 30% tone of voice - and 10% the words we choose to use. But the ability to use that 10%, to create the remaining 90% in the reader's mind, is a gift. Writing is drawing a picture with an invisible pencil, on the paqes of someone elses mind. I've dabbled with adapting a book to a Drama, to illustrate a story, for Church Stage. The sample of your writing here, would be a Director's dream to adapt. Please keep writing. The Kingdom of God needs to "take back" the mountain of Arts & Entertainment from the influence of the enemy of mankind's souls.....
M. C. Syben 
10/27/15
I'm sixty-three too and relate to so much of what you have written. You conveyed it wonderfully.

Just pay attention to what those before me have said. Utilize that word spell and grammar check and the preview button.

Still, I "felt" you 100%. Great job!
AnnMarie Givans
10/27/15
I understand your plight, for I too am going through the very same transition. Trusting God is the only way to go. When the enemy try to battle your mind creating doubts and fear: remember to battle him back using the words of the Lord, this will shut him down fast. It was a bit difficult to read because the paragraphs needed to be separated a bit more.
God bless, and all the best to you.