Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Vision (08/03/06)
-
TITLE: Witness | Previous Challenge Entry
By Constance Gilbert
08/07/06 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
I had just reset the irrigation lines when Jay’s Chevy Ram pulled up by the fence. With long strides he crossed my field as he hollered his usual greeting, “This is the day that the Lord has made! How do ya, my friend? Came down to see if you could use a hand.”
I never enjoyed Jay’s religious talk, but I must admit that he and Nellie were great friends- always there when you needed them. Nellie did all the cooking while my Mary was sick; even brought her fresh flowers from that beautiful garden of hers nearly every day. And Jay? Well, he helped me rebuild the shed and the smoke house so we could slaughter a hog for winter meat. ‘Course I gave them a ham, my best bacon and some of Mary’s special sausage.
“Isn’t it time I helped you?” I asked as we shook hands.
“My son’s home for a visit; he and his boys are doing the chores. So, here I am.”
“Gonna clear some of those rocks in the west pasture under the old oak tree. The animals are needing shade and I sure don’t need ‘em breaking a leg.”
“God provides, James.”
Sure glad he’d moved around the pickup. Sometimes I just feel like punching him. “God provides nothing that common sense can’t do,” I mumbled as I turned the key. My rusty pickup groaned but started, and we headed for the west pasture. As we crossed the rutted road, Jay sat there smiling like he knew a secret. That God stuff probably.
The cows and sheep scattered as we pulled up near the old oak. As we stepped down, the ground shook, the winds blew from every direction, clouds blocked out the sun, and terrifying storms knocked me to the ground. On my knees I reached for a rock, for anything so the earth wouldn’t swallow me whole. Suddenly the light returned, the earth was still, a deadly silence hung over everything as the animals and I stood up.
Jay was gone.
Where was he?
God only knows.
...
“Nellie, I’m going over to see if I can give James a hand.”
“Now Jay, Mike and the boys are doing the chores so you can relax. I’ll get you some of my fresh made lemonade.”
“God freed up my time for James; I can’t give up on him. Knowing the Lord would give him peace. How about lemonade for two, Nell?” As the squeaky screen door opened, I called, “I love you.” I knew she was smiling as she watched me go.
Humming my favorite hymn, “Be Thou My Vision,” I pointed my pickup toward James’ field.
Later, as we headed for his west pasture, I rejoiced in being able to help my friend. I watched the waves of wheat ripple across the meadow and praised God for His creation. We’d just pulled up near an old gnarled tree when the earth trembled. The sun vanished as a thick fog suddenly appeared. “The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not fear,” I whispered. The next moment the most beautiful rainbow burst through. High above the earth, it was created out of the brightest, transparent colors- some never seen by man- and my heart was flooded with a sense of peace. I was speechless as I remembered the rainbow was a symbol of God’s promises.
Then I saw Him!
My dearest Friend and Savior was standing beneath the rainbow! He was dressed in a white robe that added light to the rainbow. His head was crowned with a wreath of rare flowers covered with dew that sparkled like the most precious of diamonds. A white bird sang sweetly upon His shoulder. His eyes filled with lovedrops as He softly said, “Let’s go home.”
I ran toward Him not realizing that my feet were no longer on the trembling ground. When I reached Him, Nellie was there along with many others . . . but I couldn’t find James. Softly Jesus repeated, “Let’s go home.” Filled with joy overflowing, we followed Him leaving our earthly life behind.
...
Yes, that’s how it happened. Both accounts are true. I was there . . .
singing . . .
on His shoulder.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
I was pulled through this story quickly and relished it. Wonderful job. I'm expecting to see you on Thursday's list.
Well done.