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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Father (as in paternal parent, not God) (04/10/08)
Mary beamed at Joe over their dinner as she waited for the right moment. She was so excited to share the news that she had suspected for several days. She now had the proof and was simply bursting to make the announcement. As they ate, she tried to contain herself as Joe told her about his day at work and she added in her own tidbits from her day at school.

Finally as they finished up and Joe was rising to help with the dishes, Mary spoke up, “Joe, have a seat. The dishes can wait a few minutes longer. I have something to tell you.”

Joe lowers himself back into his chair and looks at her. “Is there something wrong?”

Mary smiles at his expression and answers, “Not at all. In fact everything is right.” No longer able to hold back the flood of ecstasy bubbling up, she exclaims, “I’m pregnant!”

Joe sits back stunned as he stares at her. “Are you sure?”

Giggling, Mary replies, “Yes, I’m sure. I’ve been feeling odd for about a week and this morning I took the test. It was positive. I have an appointment in a couple of days to see the doctor. Joe, we’re going to be parents!”

A grin spreads across Joe’s face as the meaning of her words sinks in. Quickly he jumps up and grabs Mary out of her chair. He spins her around the kitchen as he whoops with joy and she laughs at his antics. Their prayers have been answered.

Later that evening as Joe is sitting in his chair, the magnitude of the news Mary shared with him at dinner suddenly hits him- not unlike a punch in the guts. The announcement itself should not have been a surprise. On the contrary, they had discussed at length the fact that they were at the point in their lives where they were ready for the added responsibility. But that had been talk about the future. This was the present and suddenly it was reality, not just a dream they were talking about happening “one day.”

Closing his eyes, he leans his head back on the chair. Is he really ready for this? A wave of hysteria washes over him as his mind begins to whirl with question after question. Can I be the father this child needs? How do I know if I am doing things right? What if I fail? There are so many lessons to teach a new little one. Am I capable of teaching those lessons?

As these thoughts and more start swirling in his mind, he does the one thing that he knows can bring peace. He begins to pray, “Lord, I thank You for this amazing miracle You are blessing us with. I am both excited and anxious about the change that is coming, as I know You are aware. I am looking to You for guidance. I know that with You in my life, I have an anchor and a safe port. Please help me to be the father this child needs. I don’t expect to be perfect; I just pray to be the best I can be as I continue to live for You.”

A sense of peace flows through him as his prayer ends. Joe smiles to himself. There is no need for worry. God will be with him, and Mary, as this new phase of life opens. With this thought, Joe allows the excitement of the news to once again take over this mind and push the doubt aside as he focuses instead on the adventure that awaits him in a few months.
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This article has been read 1209 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Grace .
04/17/08
This was well written. I liked it! It was a sweet story of a new father. The prayer was beautiful. Every body needs the Lord's guidance, especially in times like that.
Joanne Sher 
04/18/08
I liked this a lot - some very good details that helped me see what he was feeling throughout.

There were a few places where you changed the tenses of your verb from present to past - easy to do, and to fix.

Great title too. Enjoyed this!
Beckie Stewart
04/19/08
Ahhh, the excitement of being a brand new parent. This is good.
Tammy Bovee
04/19/08
Thank you for sharing a glimpse into a very intimate story. There are many things going on in the world today. And it can be scary to think about raising children, but as the Gaither's so eloquently put it,"this child can face uncertain days because he lives."
Your writing draws the reader through. I kept thinking about how my husband would react when our "someday" becomes a reality. Also, the use of Mary and Joe reminded me of another couple who found out they were going to be parents, and had to trust God to help them. Imagine being entrusted by God to raise Jesus!
Thanks for sharing. Keep writing.
Lyn Churchyard
04/20/08
Lovely story about a first time father (not forgetting the mother of course). I loved the way you built his excitement, then brought him down to earth not with a thud, but a gentle nudge. If only more fathers would have the same attitude as Joe. Very nice prayer.

A couple of tiny glitches where you changed tense, but that's why this is called a 'challenge', you write, you learn, you progress.

Well done indeed.
Helen Dowd
04/22/08
Your story is well told, and the ending is excellent, leaving the guidance in God's hands. ... One point, given also by another viewer, check to make sure your tenses are the same all the way through. I like that you told most of the story in the present tense. Check this out and see if you can fix this when you edit. I know you can, as you progress in your writing skills...God bless you...Helen
Amanda Williams
01/27/09
You did a good job of capturing what most future daddies feel when they are trying to absorb the big news. I like your writing.