Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Camping (07/11/05)
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TITLE: "A Bittersweet Adventure" | Previous Challenge Entry
By Carol Sanford
07/14/05 -
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“Hang on a minute, somebody’s knocking.” I put the phone down and opened my front door to find two strangers, a man and a woman.
“Are you Debbie Harris, wife of Ted Harris?” the man asked tersely.
“Yes,” I replied, puzzled. My husband and I were separated.
“I’m Constable Decker. I am serving you with divorce papers.” He thrust them into my
hands unceremoniously. Abruptly, he and his silent companion disappeared and left me standing stunned in my doorway.
“But, I don’t want a divorce!” I cried to the darkness. The phone lay on the table, trivial and forgotten, as I reeled to grasp the reality of what had just happened.
Six weeks later, my friend, Donna, and I squeezed into my new 1978 Ford Pinto along with our camping gear to make a cross-country trek for a court appearance. Armed with prayer support and my fledgling faith, I claimed Joshua 1:9, ready for a miracle. I felt strongly the Lord was with us and my husband would have a change of heart. I had sought reconciliation with him since surrendering my life to Christ two years before.
Donna and I fell quickly into the camping mode. Involuntarily, we assumed roles at each site along the way. I took charge of our nylon tent and, Donna, the camp stove. As we traveled, we became immersed in the splendor of God’s creation. Contemplating the sunrise at the Grand Canyon took our breath away. A night’s drive through the Mojave Desert, in company with a friendly full moon, yielded treasures of black-tailed jackrabbits, a swift sidewinder, and spirited coyote pups. Never had I experienced such ebony beauty.
Finally, we arrived at our destination…Three Rivers, California. Although I was nervous about the upcoming meeting with my husband, I couldn’t help but appreciate a myriad of birds around our campsite. A birdwatcher, I was thrilled to add the varied thrush and western tanager to my “life list.”
It was decided that while I drove to Ted’s house, Donna would remain at camp. I found the place easily, and he answered my knock. He invited me in and we began chatting. It had been a long time.
As my eyes took in the surroundings, I sensed that this was not a bachelor pad. Curious, I asked, “Who lives here with you?”
With a wry glance, Ted told me that he was living with his girlfriend and they wanted to marry. Absorbing this news, I silently prayed for God’s grace to keep my composure and secretly berated myself for my profound naiveté. I stayed calm, but was oblivious to the rest of our conversation. Since there was little else to say, I departed to the safety of Donna and the tent that had become our home. My disappointment was overwhelming. I wept most of the night.
Appearing briefly in court the next day, Ted signed the documents with a flourish. California had a “no-fault” divorce law. Within minutes, the judge wished us both well and we went our separate ways.
There was nothing left to do but go home. As a young believer, it was the first major letdown of my Christian life. I was determined, though, to enjoy the ride back to Pennsylvania. Little did I realize that the Lord was going to use the return journey as a time for healing my heartbreak.
Donna and I had the trip of a lifetime exploring our country’s incredible national parks. From Sequoia to Crater Lake to Mount Rainier to the Grand Tetons and more, God has blessed our land like no other. Even the Badlands of South Dakota held a particular beauty trapped in eerie desolation.
I realized that our lives are much like that cross-country camping trip. There are mountain peaks, valleys, and deep lakes of joy or despair. Times are spent in the desert or just rolling along on the plains seemingly without variation. Memories of that summer twenty-seven years ago will always be etched in my mind. Most importantly, still in my heart is God’s promise of Joshua 1:9…Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. NIV
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