Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: JOIE DE VIVRE (delight in being alive) (08/18/16)
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TITLE: Warm Milk & Bread | Previous Challenge Entry
By C D Swanson
08/24/16 -
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“Thank you Sweetheart…you too…so good to see you.” She kissed and hugged me tightly; I didn’t want to leave her arms. After our mutual greeting of love, I turned to Dad who was standing nearby.
I rushed into his strong arms. “Daddy!”
“My little peanut, how’ve you been?” Dad asked, while he gently brushed the hair from my face.
“I’m good. I really am.”
“We’re happy to see your dazzling smile. It’s been awhile.”
“Thanks Daddy. As usual, totally unbiased where I’m concerned, but please don’t ever change.”
“Well, it’s the truth.”
“Okay, that’s a trick answer because—”
“Father knows best!” We laughed as my mom rolled her big brown eyes.
We chatted a long time before sitting down to dinner. The feast my mom prepared, was fit for a princess, and would satiate the appetites of the richest kings.
The visit went by so quickly. We spoke about everything, from lighthearted issues, to serious ones. We touched on the evil that’s reared its ugly head, both on our backyard soil, and afar. The weather patterns, cyclones, tornadoes, earthquakes, fires and floods…and people turning from God as prophesied in the Bible.
My father held my hand, and warned me to be vigilant, and to stay in the Word. I nodded, then assured him, “Of course I will.”
The dinner concluded with my favorite dessert—triple chocolate layer cake, frosted with chocolate peanut butter, and dusted with coconut—it was perfect, all of it.
I loved the dinner, the dessert…but most especially, being in the company of my parents.
As much as I wanted to stay, I knew it was time to go home. They walked me to the huge white door, upon opening it; I saw the narrow path out front.
We had our famous group hug, the one that we’ve done since I was a little girl, so very long ago.
“I love you both, so much.”
“We love you, forever and always.” they answered.
I lingered, taking in the moment, creating another memory. It was wonderful seeing their smiles, and their happy countenance. I felt perfect peace as I sighed in contentment.
******************
My heart pounded me awake, as I searched my room wide-eyed. I glanced at my husband who appeared to be sleeping soundly. I couldn’t figure out why he didn’t hear the hammering of my heart.
I decided to go downstairs to fix myself a glass of warm milk. As I sat waiting for the milk to heat up, I glanced at the red Bible on my kitchen table. And, that’s when it happened.
“They’re alive and well…Be of good cheer, take comfort.” I heard the voice in my head so clearly. At first, I turned to see if someone was in the room with me, so distinct, and powerful was the sound.
I decided it was from lack of sleep, and grief, playing tricks with my mind. But then, there it was again. This time, it resonated through the walls of my mind. “They’re not dead…but drinking from My fountain of living water. They’re at My banquet table…alive and well...Forever.”
I realized it was the LORD comforting me.
My mom had died recently, my dad eighteen years earlier. I was struggling with missing her voice, her hugs, and her words of wisdom. I missed Dad too, but so much time had gone by since I’d seen him…whereas my mom’s death was new, and stung so deeply within the chambers of my heart.
The dream felt as if it’d really happened…so beautiful…so amazing.
I grabbed the hot glass of milk and turned quickly, causing my Bible to slip off the table. I glanced down at the floor and sobbed as I read the verse it had opened to: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” (John 11:25)
The LORD’s message instantly cascaded over my entire being, like a warm soft blanket, bringing peace to my body, soul, and mind.
The entire incident wasn’t by coincidence. No…there’s no such thing with God.
Everything was a loving gift from above.
The dream, His voice, and the Bible verse…His Holy Word quickened in me, bringing me to life.
I knew Mom was okay, back with Dad…but most important, with the LORD.
I smiled as I picked up my Bible.
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Wing His Words
As we made the three hour journey home, I thought often of how long would it be before I get to see their smiles again; hear their laughter.
So, I would say you really nailed the conversation with the father right on the head. Then the shift to the second-half of the story was sobering and gut-renching, primarily because you laid such great groundwork in the first half.
Really great work! Thanks for sharing!