A Riverbank Conversation | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: A Riverbank Conversation | Previous Challenge Entry
By Philippa Geaney
07/21/22
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A card-like envelope sat propped in the center of my desk. Surprising. It was only day two of my new job, but this looked suspiciously like an invitation.

And social events were not my cup of tea. Suddenly I regretted the absence of clutter on my desk; unwanted invitations could quickly become ‘lost’ in clutter, at least long enough to explain my absence.

Until now, I’d found it possible to attend a few gatherings but miss many, citing study. But as a newly qualified medical scientist, I could hardly escape my social dues.

‘We have mail Lord.’ I waved the envelope towards Heaven and headed towards the change room where the scrubs were kept.
‘Even a fund-raising ball is no big deal.’
I tried hard to mean it.

As a born-again Christian, I’d learned that life’s much-needed help came in the Name of the Lord, and I gratefully tithed my first hour or two of the day to Him.

Lord, can You imagine me in yet another penguin suit, hair slicked back, nodding at an introduction to another department head’s daughter.
‘Nice to meet you. Would you like to dance?’

I sighed at the thought as I pushed through the change-room door.

‘Gooday, mate.’ A technician stood sorting through the layers of scrubs.
‘You the new fella?’ He held out his hand. ‘Name’s Tony. I wasn’t here yesterday, out of town at a crime site, but they told me you were coming. Welcome.’

‘Alex Brannigan.’ We shook hands. ‘And thanks.’

‘Settling in yet? We’re a pretty good mob. Friday nights, we get together at the local. Debrief a little. Sometimes we have socials - fundraisers that crop up. Make sure you join us.’

I waved the envelope. ‘Is this one?’
Tony found his scrubs and moved away for me to dig in, saying
‘Oh, that’ll be an invitation to your Welcome Aboard shindig. He wandered off, whistling.

I opened the mail when I returned to my office.

Alex,
You’re invited to attend a welcome aboard picnic at Fisherman’s Bend on the Swan River this Saturday, 24th. Eleven AM.
Dress casual. Food supplied; bring sunscreen and swimming togs as swimming is permitted.
Should be fun.

Spencer Carmichael
DOP (Director of Pathology)
P.S. We’ve only ever hauled a few bodies out of that section of the river

I sat back and laughed. ‘Lord, we’re off to a picnic.'

The Lab serviced a vast area in Western Australia. I’d been brought in to work with the police in their focus on forensic evidence.
By lunch that day, my desk was cluttered, and I wondered if I’d ever meet the need. By day’s end, trudging wearily upstairs to my new unit, I was convinced I could not.

There was a note on my kitchen counter Son, your favorite stew’s in your fridge waiting to be reheated.
God bless you Ma. A quick bite and I’m off to bed.

The riverbank sloped gently towards a broad and surprisingly blue river. The color puzzled me. There was no glacial water distribution to influence Australia’s rivers.
But it was beautiful.

‘It’s something else, isn’t it?’

A man had drawn up beside me, so I turned to agree and discuss the phenomenon, but his smile and appearance silenced me. I’d never seen Jesus, but my spirit recognized him immediately.

‘Come and sit down; I’ve prepared an Aussie banquet for you.’ His eyes sparkled with amusement as He pointed to a blanket on the ground where there was a plate of flatbread and two glasses of wine.

‘That’s not Aussie, Lord. But it’s all I could wish for.’

We sat and ate and talked. His offering at Calvary was vivid, and He told me how He enjoyed His children commemorating this life-giving act of remembrance.
‘It is very healthy for them.’
The Lord’s accent was captivating, and we discussed healing until He suddenly said, ‘Do you have anything you wish to ask me, Alex?’

‘Lord, I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. My new job is beyond me.

He looked into my eyes. ‘Have you enjoyed this picnic, Alex?
‘Very much, Lord.’
‘Safe? Laying in green pastures here with Me?’
‘Yes, Lord.’
‘Your new job will be just such a picnic.’ He smiled at His word association. ‘This meeting will help you remember. Read my Word. Pray often. And know that as you go through challenging times, I will never leave or forsake you.

It was then that my alarm woke me to a new day.

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