Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: SURPRISE (07/25/19)
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TITLE: Woman Lost | Previous Challenge Entry
By LINDA GERMAIN
08/01/19 -
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No one appreciates me in this house. I don’t think I can stand it another minute.
One frustrating morning filled with short tempers (mostly hers) and too many misunderstandings she grabbed her keys and purse and announced she was going to the store for milk and dog food. No one was listening.
As she sped through the beginning rain, she remembered she had no cash. This led to a route change to the nearest bank branch. As soon as she inserted her debit card for the usual twenty dollar request, something seemed to come over her that turned this upsetting day into a new possibility.
Wonder what Tom would think if I took the limit allowed?
Without stopping to consider the consequences of this irresponsible action, she grabbed the money and sped off with the alacrity of a novice bank robber. Instead of turning right in the direction of the grocery, she turned wrong and found herself on the main road out of town. From there on, each decision took her to the freedom she thought she craved. It was a delicious feeling.
No more arguing. No more whiny kids. No more laundry and dishes and holiday dinners with church-going in-laws I can barely tolerate.
Meanwhile, back at home, things proceeded as usual. Her absence wasn’t noticed as they each left for work and school. In fact, peace and quiet seemed to have a calming effect on the whole family. By dinner time, Tom asked if anyone had seen Mom. There was no panic. He cleaned up the kitchen and ordered pizza and figured she’d show up by bedtime. She didn’t. He fell asleep and didn’t open his eyes until the phone rang. The police had found her car in a ditch. She was not in it.
News of her disappearance didn’t cause a big ripple in the town’s daily activities. Tom and the kids were certainly curious, and even concerned, but if truth be told, they were even more relieved. Dodie had not been a pleasant person. Her absence triggered a new and more balanced atmosphere. The Smiths were doing just fine.
One day, after bouncing from here to there doing menial jobs and living in temporary low rent places, the missing wife and mother decided she would go home.
They will have missed me by now. I remember Tom’s people talking about a story of the prodigal son returning home and how happy his father was to see him. I know I was not a good wife and mother, but surely they will forgive me.
The bus stopped a block from the house. As the formerly missing woman approached the door, she was tingling with excitement. She knew they would be at work and school, but she would let herself in and be in the kitchen baking cookies or something.
Hmm. The key doesn’t fit. Why did Tom change the locks?
Just then, the door was opened by a sweet-looking elderly woman who said, “May I help you, dear?”
“Where is Tom? Where are the kids? Where is the dog?”
Dodie was so obviously taken aback and confused the lady who opened the door thought she might need to call the police.
“Oh, you must mean the Smith family. I bought this house from that kind man after he lost his wife. I believe they moved out of town a while ago.”
Dodie fell to her knees and began to wail and cry, “Dear God, what have I done?”
The woman at the door felt such compassion that she invited her in, gave her some food and tea, and shared many truths Dodie needed to hear as she made her way to a new beginning.
Moral of the story: Not only will your sins find you out, but you can’t always go home again.
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James 5:20
…you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.
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