Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Luggage (08/15/05)
-
TITLE: Leigh's Overdue Book | Previous Challenge Entry
By
08/21/05 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
“Honey, you are only sixteen, it‘s just as hard for me. I have lived in this house ever since your father and I got married. That luggage has seen some traveling, too. Your father used it traveling to conventions. He and I packed and unpacked it together. We flew to Atlanta, D.C., New York City, and all the way to Paris, France. When you came along, I lovingly packed it for him and unpacked it when he returned. There was always something in it for us when he returned, too. Last year it was that Joyce Meyer book for you over there on your shelf. Did you ever read it?”
“No, Mom I never found the time.”
“Leigh, I can’t understand you sometimes. Your father looked all over St. Louis to find that book for you. He went to three Borders stores and nearly missed his big meeting to pick it up for you. And you didn’t take the time to read it. You better pack that in your suitcase.”
Leigh picked up the book and flung it across the room. “No! I don’t want to take anything to remind me of Dad,” she shouted.
“Leigh, I am sorry you are angry because we don’t have enough resources to keep the house. Your father did not know the plane would crash that day. You know he didn’t mean to leave us.
“Listen, honey, moving in with Aunt Mary won’t be so bad, she will help me find a job and place to live that we can afford. Selling the house will give us something to start with. You’ll see the Lord will provide.”
Leigh turned her head toward the window, trying to hide the tears that began to stream down her flushed face. Gazing out, her eyes rested on the red maple, its leaves rustling in the brisk breeze. ‘There is another thing that must be left behind,’ she thought. It was the tree her father had planted when she was born. ‘Why couldn’t he have put some money in the bank or something, like other people did? Big deal, I won’t ever see that tree again. He always said stupid stuff like, “Only God can make a tree.” So what? Is God going to make me a tree house? I’m not taking that book; I’m not. It will only remind me of Dad’s foolish ways.’
Leigh’s mom had silently left the room to go pack her own belongings. She couldn’t bear to see the tears rolling down Leigh’s cheeks; she didn’t want Leigh to see her tears either. The packing completed, she knelt by the bed she had shared with her husband. Today she would be kneeling alone, though she knew that God was there. She prayed for her daughter’s wounded heart to be healed. She asked for strength and wisdom for the days ahead. She stayed on her knees until she felt release from her burdens. However, she could not get the luggage off her mind. ‘What are you trying to tell me, Lord? What is it about that luggage?’
Left alone Leigh’s anger grew. She was angry that her father had left them destitute, forcing her to move away from her home and her school and her friends. How could he have been so inconsiderate? Finally she began to sob uncontrollably being overcome with remorse.
Hearing Leigh’s cries her mother came in and spoke softly to her, hugging her close, “Leigh, it’s time to give your anger to the Lord; let’s pray.”
Leigh surrendered everything to the Lord that day. Later that night Leigh picked up the book, reading the cover to herself, ‘When, God, When? : Learning to trust in God’s Timing.’ A letter fell to the floor as she opened the book. It was from her father explaining about a bank account he had opened for her. It contained instructions to look in the pocket of his luggage should anything happen to him. She ran to the closet and opened the bag. Clutching the letter, the bankbook, and insurance papers, she summoned her mother, “Mom! Come here quick. You were right. Dad didn’t forget us, and the Lord did provide in His time.”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
