Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: REDUCE (11/05/15)
- TITLE: What? Idols on my Feet? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Trudy Newell
11/12/15 -
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Jenn opened her closet door. Boxes of shoes filled the shelves. With purses to match, there was no room to spare. This looks like it belongs to Imelda Marcos. She would be proud of the way my shoes are organized. How many pairs of shoes do I have? What would Pastor Griffins think if he knew I wore the idols of my heart on my feet?
The message yesterday morning rung in Jenn’s heart. She had a choice to make.
Since the time she was a little girl playing dress up in her mom’s red high heels, Jenn loved shoes. They cast a magic spell over her. Each pair had a story to tell. They carried special memories.
She still had her wedding shoes. That was the first time she spent much money for a pair of shoes. The white satin shoes had turned yellow. Should I dye them red to go with my black dress with the dainty red roses?
Jenn picked up her newest pair of jogging shoes. It had been a ladies day out with Tricia, Liz and Deb. How could she resist; they were on sale. It didn’t matter if she did have fifteen pair of barely-used trainers.
She grabbed one of her treasures, a pair of red heels. How could she forget the rushed business trip to Dallas with her husband, Bret? In the midst of it all, they managed to get away to Neiman Marcus. Jenn went straight to the shoe department, and didn’t come away disappointed.
Bret chuckled as he eyed her package. “Don’t tell me, red heels?”
“You’ve got it.”
The next pair that caught her attention was bought at Harrods on their last trip to London. What a special time that was, celebrating their tenth anniversary. After enjoying Harrods famous British high tea, Jenn hit the shoe department. She walked away with a pair of upscale British sandals. Bret found another watch.
She opened a shoe box of brand-new yellow sandals. Where in the world did these come from? I never wear anything yellow. Oh, I remember now. It was that sunny day in Buenos Aires. The bargain matched my mood. Besides, yellow is different, you don’t see many pairs of yellow sandals
Jenn cringed as she opened several boxes of brand-new shoes. She could only wear one pair of shoes at a time.
“Lord please forgive me. I didn’t intend my fascination for shoes to take your place. Help me to put you back on the throne of my life. And show me what to do with all these shoes.”
That was the real question. Jenn had not always been practical in her shoe selection. Many of them carried a high price tag. She didn’t know anyone in need of shoes. There’s Haven of Rest. Since most of the shoes are still in boxes they should bring a half-way decent price. One thing she knew, she had to get them out of the house fast. No longer was her footwear going to dominate her life. She was leaving her collection of shoes at the feet of Jesus where they belonged.
She selected the shoes that she would keep and set them aside. Three pair of trainers should be enough for anyone. Four pair of heels, and three pair of sandals should do. “Lord, I hope it’s okay if I keep the red heels.”
Then Jenn put shoes she had not worn in the last year in the give-away pile. Some, like her wedding shoes, would go in the trash. The decisions overwhelmed her, but she felt at peace.
Bret needed to know.
Jenn had supper ready when Bret walked in the door. As they ate tilapia, green beans and a baked potato, Jenn formed her words. Over ice cream and coffee she shared her heart.
“I’ve realized that my shoes have taken the Lord’s place in my life. I have set aside a few of them to keep, but the rest need to go. I’ve called Haven of Rest and they are coming to pick them up.”
“Honey,” Bret’s eyes danced, “what are you going to do without your shoe collection?”
“I’ll miss them, that’s for sure.”
Two days later Jenn had plenty of closet space. Bret arrived home and checked out the spacious closet. He looked at his wife, frowned and stared at his watch.
“Oh Jenn, what am I going to do with my collection of fine watches!”
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(which is a good thing)
I like the mixture of narrative, thoughts, and dialogue.
Well written.