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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: STRESSED - Begins January 18 / Ends January 25 (01/18/18)
“What a day!”, I thought to myself. And this was only part one. Now for dinner and running kids around. Getting out of the car, jug of milk in hand, I head for the mailbox. Finding Joy’s mail in our box again, I turn to cross the street. Suddenly I hear an outburst from my middle school daughter being directed at my second grader. Taking a deep breath, I turn in time to see the youngest scramble in the house ahead of a junior high attitude on feet. I hear the two-liter bottle of soda fall from the car. Rolling down the driveway, I wait patiently for it to arrive at my feet. Bending to pick it up, I chuckle at visions of junior high cheerleaders screaming when soda spews out later this evening. Yes, I am taking this bottle. No time to get another.

I head on to Joy’s house. Her flower garden is always so beautiful. I stop to smell the roses before knocking.

“What a delightful surprise to see you”, Joy says with a warm smile on her face. “Rough day today?” She motions towards the swing and chair on her porch.

“That’s an understatement. And it’s only half over. Looks like they put your mail in our box again.” I reached out to hand it to her as we both take a seat. I chose my favorite, her rocking chair. I sat the jug of milk and soda bottle by my feet. “Your garden is always so beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Joy smiles as she gives it a quick glance. Her eyes then turn to mine. “One of those days you say?”

“Oh yes. Started out with being late, spilt milk making us even later. Only had time to partially clean it up before running out the door. Things at work weren’t much better today.” I listen to the sound of the rocking chair as I rock back and forth.

Joy gives a sympathetic laugh. “Sounds like you’re bankrupt and need to make some deposits in your life account! One must make deliberate choices, or deposits, to create a quality life. We’re always going to have withdrawals. Frets about things we can’t change, over analyzing, over scheduling and being overwhelmed because we try to do everything ourselves. Let the things you can’t change go and move on. Trying to do better next time. It’s a part of growing. You can also be a part of helping others to grow by not always trying to do everything yourself. Offer a little guidance and move out of the way. They may stumble, but they may also surprise you. It’s important not to always take ourselves so seriously and to remember to be grateful. You have two beautiful daughters and money to replace the jug of spilt milk. That’s something to be thankful for.”

“You’re so right, Joy. Sometimes things get so crazy and I don’t remember how to put the fun back in life.”

“It’s about making deliberate deposits of fun. You see my garden over there that you like so much? That’s one of my deposits. Sure, it takes a little time to plan and create, but doing so puts the sunshine back in my life. If I don’t make the time for deposits, I have an out-of-control weed patch choking out my happiness. Then there’s the sound of the rocking chair you’re in. It rocks away my stress better than any massage can.”

I pick up my groceries and stand. Giving Joy a hug, I say, “Thanks for the wonderful advice. I truly enjoyed our time together.”

“Have a good evening, Dear. Come back anytime.”

I head home to clean the milk mess, with a smile and grateful heart, before heading back out to the evening activities.

I reach the ball field and set up my chair behind the fence just in time to see my youngest warmup in the batter’s box. Another mom soon approaches to ask advice on designing award certificates for the end-of-season party. I pause. After sharing a few ideas, I say, “I’ll send you my source and vendor information for print materials.” She expresses her gratitude and walks away.

Taking in a breath of fresh air, I look up to wink at God before slipping off my shoes and putting my bare feet in the grass. I enjoy the rest of the game while massaging the cool blades of grass between my toes.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Jenny Fulton 
01/27/18
Great job with the writing and message of this piece. I always find present tense to be the most challenging to write in and other than a paragraph in the middle where you switched to past tense, you did it beautifully.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
01/27/18
This is a sweet story. I can remember those types of days. They go way too fast. It might be a wee bit preachy for me. I like the message, but it was a bit overdone. As the saying goes, sometimes less is more. I really liked the ending. It left me with a smile and really spoke to me more than Joy's monolog. You have a gift for sure. Keep writing and read and comment on others too. Good job.
C D Swanson 
01/28/18
Awww. I enjoyed this well done piece. Great job with the topic, and great message. I especially loved the close.

Blessings~
Susan Montaperto
01/29/18
A good read with a great message. Thank you and God Bless.
Rachel Rudd
01/29/18
I can relate very well to the mom in this story and have learned to slow down when I can. I like the idea of the “life bank account.” Maybe you could show the idea more by putting in action instead of her just talking? Just a suggestion, but definitely keep writing!