Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: BEACH (09/01/22)
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TITLE: The Anchor Holds | Previous Challenge Entry
By LINDA GERMAIN
09/08/22 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
The scent of the sand and sea is the best part, or maybe it’s the sunrise walks with Sir Rhett and Lady Scarlett on days when a soothing mist covers even the old lighthouse. There’s an extra room for company and two loungers and a swing on the amazing screened-in porch, a place most conducive to napping or reading.
A rather staid but curious visitor, who often murmurs in fear and worry, accepts my invitation. I pray for wisdom.
How can you stand the constant sound of crashing waves or ship horns blasting miles away or hungry seagulls swooping at will searching for sustenance?
My reply: Lovely! Music to my ears. Rhythmic, dependable, rolling tides are hypnotic and bring more comfort than drink, drugs, or doughnuts.
But that sand can bake to unbearable degrees. Your poor feet will blister!
I have light surplus desert boots for those times. Sandals, or nothing, for others. Past the picket fence, there’s a convenient wooden walkway nearly to the predictable tide’s edge.
What about disgusting bugs and weird crawly and flying things that are drawn to the shore?
Zappers, for one thing. Also, pray and ignore them.
You always wanted a garden and to can tomatoes and pickles for the winter.
How did you miss the adorable greenhouse in the backyard? You must see the little patches of earth transferred to gardening trays on legs, up high where I can reach to plant, pull weeds, and start seedlings.
Hooks on the rafters hold burgeoning ferns and those stunning red geraniums are waiting quietly to be transplanted to the window box outside the kitchen.
But, but…what about dangerous storms and deadly hurricanes?
My sweet pet companions and I will be safe behind state-of-the-art shutters. If the weather turns chilly, Beauregard and Pitty Pat will curl up on Grandma’s quilt-covered stool by the fireplace like a cozy Rockwell painting. There’s always hot chocolate or tea and of course Psalm 91 to read and believe during crises. We’ll be okay.
No response. Falling on deaf ears and a sad faithless outlook.
There are no box stores or food marts in this area.
The sidewalk that runs along the small seawall goes right to the village store. I can pedal my sturdy three-wheeler with that big basket on the handlebars. Great exercise. Also, they deliver.
You’ll be so alone. To whom will you talk?
The Lord, for one!
I mean, someone who will talk back.
He does!
Okay. Let’s say you are all fixed for food, comfort, and connection. After beach walking, gardening, and being some kind of hippie-dippy poster child for the ideal seashore home situation, what will you do?
Write another book.
What about?
He hasn’t told me yet.
What if “He” tells you it’s time to relocate from your dream home?
Then, I will do that too.
Oh, brother! Maybe the book should be about deluded elderly people who think God talks to them and protects them when they move to semi-secluded beaches.
Come on. Let’s let the dogs take us for a walk before we have a farewell dinner around the firepit out back. You used to love those Adirondack chairs with yellow cushions.
Why are you smiling?
Thinking about the new book. I already have a title in mind. Now, grab your camera. I may want it illustrated. You get the first copy.
Wait! Do I need shoes? Is it about to rain? My phone isn’t charged. Let me get a sweater. Oh my! How DO you stand it?
No. No. Okay. And I stand it just fine, thank you.
When you said, “perfect home,” I thought it would be a real mansion or something.
It is—to me!
Is that my signal to stop useless debating?
Yes, unless you want a long-winded, bloom-where-you’re-planted sermon with a dash of obedience to a calling thrown in.
You are simply TOO MUCH!
The Lord thinks I’m exactly right.
You win.
I know.
____
Philippians 4:6
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires
Proverbs 14:1
A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
Psalm 91:10
no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home
1 Timothy 6:6
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.
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