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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Fulfillment (04/06/06)
All I’ve been able to think about for months is how much I want that promotion and the raise that goes with it. I’ve worked for this company for three years and it’s about time. I’ve done everything that has been asked of me, and more. I brought in more money and clients in the last year than anyone else. I’m at work nearly an hour early and I stay late just to make sure everything is ready for the morning rush. I put my job before my family, my friends, and my church. Nothing is more important to me than my career.

I can just taste success. It’s right at my fingertips. Nothing can stop me now. Sure, my daughter stayed home from school sick this morning. My husband thought I should stay home with her, but she has a phone by her bed and my number is on speed dial. If she really needs me, she knows how to reach me. Besides, he could have stayed home with her himself if it was that important.

If I miss even one day from work, especially for personal reasons, I won’t get the promotion. I don’t think I could stand that. I’ll have lots of time to take care of my family and fulfill the commitments I’ve made at church after they announce my promotion this afternoon.

I’ve always worked hard at everything I've ever done. All my life I’ve wanted to grow up and have the perfect family. I do. I have a great husband and three wonderful children. I know I don’t always put their needs first, but they just have to understand how important this is to me. I’ve also wanted to have a great job. That’s almost here. Not that I don’t enjoy what I do now, I just know that there is more out there for me.

My husband says that I am never satisfied with what I have. He calls fulfillment on my terms elusive. That’s not true. I am satisfied, at least for a while. I know Paul said that godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6 - KJV), but he didn’t work at my job. I know that eventually I will feel the contentment he is talking about in this Scripture. I just have to focus on my priorities right now.

Oh, they just put up the announcement about the promotion. I can’t wait to see my name beside the title Sr. Vice-President. Yes! I got it. I knew I would. Just wait until I get home and tell Steve and the kids. They’ll be so proud of me.

Now why did those kids leave their toys in the yard again? I’m going to have to talk to them about that, but first I want to tell them the good news. Where are they? I’ve looked everywhere, but no one is home. Where could they have gone? Wait there is a note on the refrigerator from Steve.

Marsha, the children and I have gone to stay in a hotel for a few days. I will be by at the end of the week to get our things. We can talk then. We just need some space. We still love you. Oh, congratulations on your promotion, I hope you find in it everything you need.

Steve
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This article has been read 1412 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Lynda Schultz 
04/13/06
Ouch! What an excellent reminder. There were a couple of "leaps" between paragraphs at the end that needed better bridging - one minute we are in the office and the next in the front yard. Put the note in italics to distinguish it from the rest. But, good job.
Virginia Gorg
04/15/06
So what's important? Our job or our family? Hopefully one who needs to read this will, and remember what God commands. I really like the way you told this, but you did skip too quickly from the office to home. Needed a better transition here.
Marilyn Schnepp 
04/16/06
I disagree with the previous two comments. It would have been unnecessary to dwell anymore on the promotion - the Reader couldn't wait to get home to see what the family thought. ANd Wow, what an ending! The message came through Loud And Clear...good job!
rehcelle cook
04/17/06
I agree with Marilyn, this message is LOUD and CLEAR.
great job!
Jessica Schmit
05/16/06
I remember this entry! I judged the entries that week and yours was very good. It ranked quite well with me. I think you could've used italics, quotations and a few more paragraph spaces to make it an easier read, ub tyour message was perfect. Great work on this piece. I can see how you've already improved in ability since first joining. That is the mark of a great writer.