The Sweetest Hour | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: The Sweetest Hour | Previous Challenge Entry
By Robyn Harbour
05/03/15
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Carol looked forward to the time each weekday when her husband Tom left for work. After kissing the children goodbye she would close the door, sit in her favourite arm chair and pick up her well used Bible. This first hour was her time, her time with her Lord. Housework could always wait till later, if the phone rang she let it ring. Nothing was more important to her than this sweetest hour of all.
She had married Tom when she was very young. He was handsome, had a good job, and occasionally went to church with her. She was sure that once they were married he would make a more serious commitment to follow Christ.
He had a few character faults which concerned her and which her friends pointed out could be a sign that things may not be as rosy in the future as she dreamt they would be. Tom was not good at handling money and often asked her for a loan, often leaving her short of money herself. This, before they were even married. If he went out with his mates he often drank too much alcohol and a couple of times he yelled at her angrily over some trifle or other. He always apologised for his behaviour promising to change.
Carol overlooked these traits believing that once married she would be able to change him. For a start she would handle the money, this would stop him spending too much. He would not go out with his mates as often, hence less alcohol, and she was sure she would learn not to do the things that set off his anger.
It was not long after the honeymoon that she realised that the man she married was not who she thought he was. A few years down the track and two children later life became very difficult. Tom never accompanied her to church, ‘Religion is for women and weak men who needed a crutch’ was his excuse. He spent more time with his mates drinking after work and he always seemed to find fault with something or other and take it angrily out on her and the children. He no longer said sorry. Her friends worried about her, they could see result of the emotional abuse she was suffering. It showed in her eyes when she thought no one was looking.
Carol still loved Tom, believing that somewhere inside him was the man she fell in love with.
Every morning as she spent time with God, it seemed like as if a refreshing stream of God’s love poured over her enveloping her whole being. She always thanked God for his provision, for the love of her family and friends and for the support her Pastor and church gave her when things were tough. Most of all she prayed for Tom, that God would change his heart and make him more receptive to the gospel. She prayed that God would change their marriage, starting with her.
Carol found comfort in the Psalms and wisdom in Proverbs. She loved reading about Jesus in the Gospels and wanted to be more like him. She thanked God for the comforter, the Holy Spirit, she always felt his presence when things got ugly, giving her strength to face the moment.
Carol believed that God would answer her prayer for Tom one day, but in the meantime she would savour every moment with her Lord , gaining strength for the day from her communion with him.

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