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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Sightseeing (08/08/05)
As I sat in the park, during the mid summer heat, I watched as people strolled by. A man with a limp, not much older than my father, looked at the ground as it took every effort to keep his feet moving.

I thought to myself, "What kind of life does this old man have? Does someone care for him? Is he lonely? He struggled to walk. He was sullen and humble as he moved along inch by inch."

No sooner was the man out of sight, a young couple began to shuffle past me, hand in hand. How I longed for love. Seeing these two so enveloped in each others lives, made me want to turn my head, but I continued to watch them.

"He was a strong, handsome man with a five o'clock shadow. Dressed in jeans and a crisp white dress shirt. She was tall and lean. Her hair was fine and blew romantically in the wind, as she walked in step with him. She looked lovingly in his eyes. They seemed to waltz across the path, as if gliding on the wings of love."

As I turned my wheelchair around to head back to the facility, I noticed an elderly woman and her dog sitting on a bench near the entrance to the door. I wheeled past her and caught her smile.

"What a lovely evening," she said with the smile still on her pale face.

"Yes, it has been wonderful. So many people out to soak in the warm air and beautiful sunset." I said in return.

"Do you come here often?" She asked.

"I try to come out each night, it seems I don't get out much, and this is my time to do what I call sight-see"... I lost my legs several months ago and this has become quite routine. I guess I try to live vicariously through others. Although, I tend to imagine living their lives and what it must be like." I said.

"My husband is out walking tonight, I am unable to join him. Although, he insists that he go alone. I know he falls and struggles to get up, but he is determined to do it on his own. You should see his clothes when he returns." She says with a grin.

I remembered the man. The one with the limp. How focused he was and the trouble he was having just trying to move one foot in front of the other. That explained the dirty clothes.

"I saw your husband. He was doing quite well, but I couldn't help notice the limp." I said softly.

"Oh...the limp." she said with a giggle. "It's really quite silly. He keeps a picture of me in his right shoe and a picture of Jesus in the other. He says that one of us will keep him going. But I think he loves us both so much, he's afraid to step on us." She laughs.

"Well, that explains the limp". I said with a chuckle.

From around the corner, came the old man. His face beaded with sweat, and smile on his face as his eyes met his wife's.

"Hello, sweet lady, would you like to join me for a glass of sweet tea?" He said to his wife, as he shot me a wink.

"Why I would be honored to join you", the smile widening and a twinkle lit her eyes as he helped her stand. She gave me a quick pat on the arm as she stood.

They walked hand in hand back to the door, with the little dog in tow.

You see, Jesus, keeps our feet moving, even when we struggle to muster up the energy to do it on our own. Taking in God's creation, human life, IS a sight to see. Each one of us has a purpose, a path, a journey. The difference is how we choose to live our life. Choose to be a shining light for God, put his picture in your shoe if you need to be reminded of how precious your life is or if you just need help walking through the tough times. May your own sightseeing experience remind you of God's greatest sight of all.....YOU!
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This article has been read 1163 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Shari Armstrong 
08/16/05
What a wonderfully sweet story! (just a note -you had extra quotes on the 4th paragraph :)
Phyllis Inniss 
08/18/05
This is a lovely article with a warmth and love for the human race. It is interesting to 'sightsee' others and how they interact with others or watch the expression on their faces.
Deborah Porter 
09/01/05
Holly, this was indeed a delightful entry and was very well received by the judges. In fact, you made it into the semi-finals list, which really deserves a pat on the back. Be encouraged and keep rising to the Challenge. You are heading in the right direction. With love, Deb (Challenge Coordinator)