Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: GOING HOME (from vacation) (09/03/15)
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TITLE: Peace on the Way Home | Previous Challenge Entry
By Hugh Houchin
09/10/15 -
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Now, she had time to think about all the new roles she added to her life after her husband of 43 years died. She worked full-time outside her home, in addition to weekly Bible studies at her house, she taught Sunday school. With no one in particular to see, she visited rest homes twice a week, and she spent more time with her grandchildren. She kept busy.
Then, for some reason, the dry-land farm where she grew up demanded her attention. With a tractor umbrella attached to a rod above the seat, her daddy’s faded red tractor materialized in her mind. The only tractor he ever had.
“It does what’s necessary,” he’d say, “one row at a time, no more; no less.”
The combination of frustration and fact began to lay a web of intrigue into her. “I didn’t plan this vacation, but guess I didn’t have much choice. I’ve never done anything spontaneous before. So spur of the moment; so unplanned.
“Now that I’m here what shall I do? It’s so different. Just gotta be people someplace because the lawns are immaculate. All mowed and trimmed; there’s not a blade of grass askew. White washed exteriors everywhere on cookie-cutter outlines. Most all the lots boast varieties of freshly manicured daisy’s and daffodils.
“When I agreed to the terms, the kind gentleman told me their crew would take care of everything.”
Finally unleashed, her mind whirled like a helicopter propeller blowing whirlwinds of thoughts through her psyche.
“Things were always tough on the farm. She turned 13, and her daddy died before she turned 14. Her mama followed her daddy when Patient was 16.
“At 17, she married the man her momma hired to do the heavy work around the farm after her daddy died. He was 10 years her senior.
Together, they did what’s necessary, one row at a time. No more; no less.
At 18, she gave birth to their daughter. They took Missy to church for the customary baptism. A couple of weeks later the pastor came to visit. Before he left he invited them to make church a part of their lives.
They did, and, through the church, God became an integral part of who they were.
Patient mulled over the four attributes of God she considered most import in her life.
Compassion led the way. He never allowed the poverty, which followed her everywhere and in everything, to overwhelm her. After she lost each of her parents and her husband, His understanding her grief and anger sustained her. He understood her need to stay busy, and He understood when she needed rest and peace.
God’s faithfulness never wavered. He didn’t disown her because she didn’t always go to church or read her Bible. As Patient the person, He accepted her as His daughter. When she stretched her arms out to Him, He picked her up and carried her.
When loneliness and self-pity consumed her, He always had time for fellowship. He taught her how to talk to Him as a friend. He didn’t chastise or berate her; He just loved her.
A gigantic tremor shivered through where she lay. Then it felt like the world shuddered on its axis. The ground split apart and the lid of her pine box popped open. She sat up, blinked her eyes at the thick darkness she encountered. She stepped out of her temporary resting place.
She felt a rush of air in her face and then nothing. She opened her eyes and witnessed a presence that glowed with a peaceful brilliance. She heard a voice:
“My children, welcome to the joy of your hearts. In faith you’ve labored when necessary for Me, one row at a time. No more; no less. In preparation for my coming, you’ve vacationed from your labors. Now rested, and clothed in glorified bodies, your share of eternity with Me awaits your walking through the gate.
While you slept, I opened the door of My presence to your life on earth. Now, in triumph, we perfect that time. What say we get started; we don’t want to waste eternity. Welcome home.
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