Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: TEARS - (as in crying) (10/04/04)
TITLE: Tears Of A Clown By Linda Miller 10/11/04 |
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As he walked to his destination, he heard cheers, clapping and laughter. He smiled as he passed several of his co-workers who were busy with their costumes and props. He enjoyed his profession. It had been his life’s ambition for the past three years to bring smiles and laughter to as many people as he could.
The cheers became wild as he took center stage running through his antics and silliness as the famous Minky the Clown with his fellow cohorts. After his first routine was done he stood in the wings of the big tent scanning the crowd. He was looking for his friend, Emily.
He had met Emily at church a couple months earlier. Their friendship had grown. Their ability to laugh together and find humor in most things was refreshing to them both.
Hank had just entered his dressing room when there was a knock at his door. He hoped it was Emily. He cheerily said, “come in” and smiled as she walked through the door. “You were wonderful tonight, Hank” she said as she walked in. She still felt slightly shy around him. “Ah, Emily you are so good for me. Always building me up. You are a treasure for sure.” At his comment, Emily turned a bright red and stammered, “thank you Hank” before sitting down.
“I’ll be done here in a minute and then we can go out to eat if you want to.” She nodded her agreement and he went to work. She watched as he took his bright green wig off and tugged at his soft, rubber nose. He brought the tin closer to his face and spread the makeup remover over his face. “Do you ever feel like a different person under all that makeup Hank?” she asked.
“Yes, I do sometimes. It’s like I’m two different people. Hank Summers and Minky the Clown. But I know that God loves both of us and that’s the important thing. She left the room so he could change into his street clothes.
They had decided to go to a little restaurant in town. As they ate, Hank talked about the changes that he was seeing in his life. “After I gave my heart to the Lord I found my life so different. It’s as if God has opened my eyes to so many things. I find myself wanting to read the Bible all the time and I can’t stop smiling at everyone.” Hank said lightheartedly.
Emily smiled and said, “Hank, this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship between you and God. He is always faithful and won’t let you down. As long as you stay close to him, read his Word, he will guide you and direct your path.”
Hank brought Emily home and asked if he could come in for a few minutes. She said she would put some coffee on and find some cookies for dessert.
Hank came over and gently put his arms around her. She sank into his arms and felt like she never wanted to leave. He said softly, “I had been going to church just to be near you, but God has brought me so much more. I am hoping that you will marry me in the not too distant future, Emily. I love you so much and want you for my wife. Will you marry me?” He looked into her eyes not sure of the response to that statement, but the light that shone through told him before her words did. “Oh Hank, I love you so much too. I know that God has something special for us and yes, oh yes, I will marry you.”
Emily’s tears became intermingled with those of her clown. They knew God had brought them together for his purpose.
I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy . . .
2 Timothy 1:4