Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: "Splash" 4-11-13 Deadline (04/04/13)
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TITLE: Enshrouded | Previous Challenge Entry
By Leola Ogle
04/05/13 -
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The sounds of the city, although annoying to some people, holds a fascination for me. It speaks of life and busyness and purpose. Today, though, I yearn for serenity, something to quiet the incessant clamoring of my mind – so many things vying for my attention.
I feel so alone. After years of a troubled marriage, I am left with two teenage daughters to support. My three other children are grown and away from home. I feel overwhelmed by responsibilities. If not for dear friends who rented me this home for under-market rates, I’m not sure where we would be.
After my busy and frustrating day, I have a moment to myself. I stand on the cool decking by the pool and try to shut myself off from my surroundings. I stick my right foot into the tepid water. It’s as warm as bath water. My sigh floats in the still air. Closing my eyes, I tilt my face to the sun. Its warmth feels like a gentle caress.
A small dust devil kicks up leaves and dirt against my legs. The dry wind feels like tiny fingernails scraping my flesh, adding to my irritation. A buzzing sound distracts me. I open my eyes as a small cactus wren flies past my cheek and alights on the water. Not even a tiny splash erupts. The only evidence of the bird’s presence upon the water is a small ripple spreading from its body. It drinks and flies away without acknowledging my still figure.
I raise my hands over my head as if to worship my Creator. My fingers touch as I rise upon my toes to propel myself upward and forward. I enter the water with a splash, the sound muffled the instant my head goes below the surface. The tepid water is surprisingly cool and refreshing. I plunge until my fingers brush the coarseness of the pool’s nine-foot bottom.
Opening my eyes, I feel the momentary sting of chlorine. With an effortless movement, I twist my body around. The color of the cement walls gives the water a shimmering blue aura. I feel enshrouded in a cocoon, escaping for a moment from the elements of my environment -- protected, sustained, like a baby in a womb.
Gentle movements of my hands and feet allow me to remain in the pool’s depth until my lungs begin the first burning for oxygen. Placing my feet against the bottom, I push. My body rises to the surface and breaks free with small splashes. I tread water for several more minutes before swimming to the cement steps at the shallow end.
I exit the water facing the same problems as when I entered. Nothing has changed. After years of acclimating to the desert heat, the warm breeze flowing across my wet skin chills me, or perhaps it’s my circumstances that chill me. I shiver as I wrap myself in a towel. A sob rumbles in my chest, but I choke it down, although nothing stops the tears that spring to my eyes.
I stand until my body warms. Soon I shirk the towel, and the blazing sun hits my back and shoulders like a masseur’s probing fingers. Evenings don’t cool off much in the desert. Unable to stop it, my mind floods with the many cares besetting me. My lips quiver, and I manage to whisper a single word, “Jesus.”
It comes then, that gentle, soothing presence that stills the storm within me. Like splashes of gentle raindrops, it quiets my soul. I know I am not alone. I am enshrouded by the calming assurance of His love.
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The story rings true; the circumstances remain the same, yet Christ's love is evident.
Sometimes you need to get away from the stresses of life and be alone with our Savior. This story tells how in the quiet He comes to us.
Again, excellent writing!
This was a beautiful story.
God bless~