Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Beach (07/04/05)
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TITLE: Look who's coming for Dinner | Previous Challenge Entry
By Michelle Burkhardt
07/08/05 -
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It’s a glorious summer day, the sun is shining, brightly warming up the sparkling, beige sand, and not a cloud is in the sky. The soft, whispery wind blows lightly across the waves as we head down to the beach to set up and claim our spot for the day. We arrive at our yearly vacation rental and unpack with lightning speed. Our only focus is not wasting a moment longer. This is a BEACH DAY!
Being only a few blocks walking distance, we know we will be able to arrive early enough to acquire a perfect area to place our gear. Crossing the last street we notice that the beach is not as populated as usual. What is this? A Red flag is waving in the sky; below it is a sign, “NO SWIMMING.” As we approach the sign with a disappointed, hunched shoulder stroll, the explanation appears below the large caption, “Shark viewing in shallow waters. Swimming is prohibited until further notice.”
OH NO! This can’t be happening; our vacation is ruined because of a Jaw’s wannabe! I had heard of reports of sharks being spotted in Florida, but not here in Jersey. Why now? We look forward to this vacation every summer; it’s the only time we get to spend together as a family. I am angry, frustrated, disappointed and, yes, hurt. I look up at the blue, clear horizon and in a sarcastic, accusing tone; shout, “Thanks a lot, Lord!”
We turn around and head back, no sense in staying when we can’t even cool off in the water. Back at the house we decide to fix something to eat, my husband starts the grill as I work on the salad. The children turn on the T.V and slouch on the sofa to blankly stare at the color tube while a mindless program airs. I am in the kitchen washing the fresh produce at the sink when a small, black radio on the window sill catches my attention. As I reach for the knob I think, “Music will help me relax.” Before I can even touch the turner a familiar song reaches my ears. “I just can’t stop, praising His name, I just can’t stop praising His name, I just can’t stop praising His name, Jesus.” Leave it to God to make sure the radio is set to a praise and worship station. My heart sinks. I bow my head and ask my Lord to forgive me. What example am I setting for my children? I had definitely not praised His name at the beach. Wasn’t it He who allowed my husband time off, didn’t we arrive here safely, was the rain pouring down? These questions all come softly to my ears. I sense the Holy Spirit gently reminding me that He deserves my praise at all times. That song used to be my son’s favorite song at church. We would sing, clap and shout those words to Him not realizing that it’s easy to praise God in church surrounded by believers, but, what about praising Him when we are not happy and things are not going our way?
I ask the kids to turn off the T.V. and come help me prepare the meal. We play a verbal game that we have always enjoyed. I ask them questions like, “What is your favorite fruit or what do you like better milk or juice?” It isn’t long before we are sitting down at the table giving our thanks for our delicious meal, our health and, most of all, our vacation. We smile and understand that our trip is going to be a blessing even if “Jaws” has come for dinner.
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