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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Encouragement (among believers) (11/08/07)
Marie glanced at the clock again. She had five minutes to make her daughters tangled hair look respectable for church. Jonothan chose that moment to grab her leg, wiping his nose across her skirt in the process. Grabbing a damp dishcloth, she bent over to wipe her skirt clean and realised that an undesirable odour was emanating from Jonothan’s diaper.

With a sigh, Marie realised they would be late for church again.

Marie and her four children snuck into the back pew ten minutes after the service had begun. She smiled at her husband Chris, who was at the front with the musicians. The children seemed to be especially rowdy today, and refused to sit quietly.

When the children left for Sunday School, Marie rose with them and made her way to the nursery where she was on duty. She managed to smile and make conversation with the parents who were leaving their children in her care. Inwardly she was fuming.

Do you even realise that I look after your children EVERY week? You could volunteer to do this once in awhile so I could sit through a service. It wouldn’t hurt you to miss one Sunday occasionally and have a turn in the nursery as well.

Afterwards, Marie waited until all the parents collected their children.

“Oh, Tyler was lovely this morning. No, he didn’t bite anyone today.”

“Patrick’s had a very runny nose, Mrs Thomson.”

“Katie fell over and bumped her elbow. Could you sign the accident book please?”

Marie finished packing up and then hurried downstairs to the fellowship area only to find that the tea ladies were already closing the servery windows.

“Could I please get a cup of tea before you close up?”

“Well, we’re actually packing up now Marie. You’re really meant to come and get a drink when the service finishes and then talk while you drink it. There is a spare cup of tea here. It might be a little cold, but that’s what you have to expect if you come this late.”

Stepping to the side of the room she sipped her cold, bitter tea as she searched for someone to talk to. Chris was engaged in conversation, and Marie’s friends were already leaving. Their children were in the playground.

Why do I even bother coming in here for ‘fellowship’. I may as well go and sit in the car and wait till Chris is finished talking. It’s not like anyone would even notice if I wasn’t here.

Feeling a touch on her elbow, Marie turned to see Mrs Burrell, head of the Craft Group, holding out a small, red bag.

“Marie, I was asked to give this to you.” She smiled briefly and continued on her way.

Standing alone in the corner, Marie examined the bag more closely. It was made of soft, red cotton and had an intricately beaded pattern across the front. Opening it carefully, Marie peered inside. It held a curious collection of items, so Marie sat down on the nearest chair and tipped the contents into her lap.

A small note fluttered out and Marie read it first.

Survival Kit.

A tissue – to dry tears.
A candle – when the way seems dark
A bandaid – to help heal hurts
Elastic – to stretch beyond present limits
A paperclip – to keep it all together
A marble – for when you feel you’ve lost yours
A safety pin – for emergencies
A toothpick – to pick out the good qualities in everyone
A rose – remember to take time to stop and smell the roses
A peg – to remind you to ‘hang in there’

Because someone cares and is praying for you.

Every item mentioned was included in the bag, right down to a pink silk rose.

Raising her eyes, Marie glanced around the room and wondered who had asked this to be given to her. Maybe sweet old Mrs Fingol who always smiled at her and complimented her on her well-behaved children. Or perhaps it was Mrs Grant, who was known for her gift of encouragement.

What a sweet gift. Somebody cares about me. Somebody has noticed me. Oh, and somebody is praying for me. Thankyou Lord for this small blessing and the reminder that I am of worth.

Standing up, she noticed Jenna, a single mother, standing alone in another corner of the room. Marie headed over that way and greeted her, pleased by the smile that lit up Jenna’s face.
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This article has been read 1036 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Christine Dunn
11/16/07
Oh, the contents of that bag and their meaning brought such a smile to my face, and I'm sure the MC's face lit up too. Wouldn't it be such a lovely gesture to actually do this for someone? Thanks for sharing this.
Karen Wilber
11/17/07
Oh, poor Marie. I could soooooo relate to this story. It's amazing how much just a little gesture can lift up a harried mom (or anyone for that matter).
Beth LaBuff 
11/17/07
Beautiful story. It's amazing how everything changes when we know someone cares. You've written this very well.
Joanne Sher 
11/17/07
I love how such a simple thing can bring such encouragement - this is a very creative, and enjoyable, piece.
william price
11/19/07
Brought tears to my eyes. I really iidentified with your MC. You nailed the topic! Masterful story telling. You set the mood, created sysmpathy for your MC and delivered a very moving, touching and encouraging conclusion. Excellent job. I also thought the items in the bag was/were extremely creative. Great touch.
God bless.
Deborah Engle 
11/19/07
What an encouragment to know that someone understands and cares. Good writing!
Jan Ackerson
11/19/07
Oh, poor Marie! I can relate to her in many ways. Thanks for brightening her day, even if she is a fictional character!
Patty Wysong
11/19/07
Wow! Super-duper job!! I LOVED this--you captured the feelings completely. And I loved the emergency kit contents--gonna have to tuck this away for future use. :-) I loved it! Hugs! :-)
Dee Yoder
11/20/07
Yes-I've been in the MC's shoes, too! Great story and a wonderful end to a frustrating Sunday for her. We need to do this kind of thing more often for our children's faithful teachers at church.
Yvonne Blake 
11/21/07
AHHH! As a mother of eight children(now grown), I understand this completely! May I use your list of encouragements to help others? I'd love to give someone a bag such as this.
Pam Carlson-Hetland
11/21/07
Oh, Wow! There are so many times when I could have used one of those. Right now, I can think of several who could use this type of encouragement. This piece is so very well written. Great job!
Joy Faire Stewart
11/21/07
Oh, this is a delight! Great reminder to note what others are going through and to offer encourgement.
Betty Castleberry
11/21/07
I absolutely LOVE this. It's sweet, touching, and held my attention, too.
This is my favorite line:

A marble – for when you feel you’ve lost yours.

It made me smile, and boy could I relate.

Excellent work.
LaNaye Perkins
11/21/07
This is such a beautiful story. I love how perfectly you pointed out how we sometimes take folks for granted and forget to notice them. Well done!
Beckie Stewart
11/22/07
What a delightful story and I like how she was encouraged and then reached out to another.