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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Minute(s) (as in time) (03/03/11)
"Where are you, Son?"

"It won’t be long now, Mom. I’m on my way. I’ll be there in a minute!"

Those were the assuring words from my son who I haven’t seen in over a year. He is on his way home, and he’ll be here most any minute! My heart races with excitement each time he comes.

At the same time, I think about the thing I dislike about him coming home. It’s that, I know he’ll be leaving again, so I’ll have to endure the awful pain of separation. I mourn when he leaves and watching him drive away is heart wrenching, so there is always this crisis - the anticipation of seeing him again, and the pain of watching him leave – it’s an anticipation, separation complexity.

But for the moment, I press my forehead against the window pane, and peer as far down the street as I possible can, so I can savor each moment he is in my sight, beginning with my first glimpse of him turning the corner, and I wonder how much he’s changed over this year. I can’t wait to feel his hands again, pat his shoulders, and to hold him in my arms. I can’t wait to look into his deep, brown eyes, and watch him watch me!

My heart begins to pound anticipating seeing him again, and my thoughts revert back to when I was waiting to see him for the first time – the night in the delivery room with my forehead pressed against the bed side rail - I closed my eyes and listened to the sound of his little heart beat and I wondered…

What is my son going to look like? Will his eyes be the color of mine? I am anxious to touch his little hands and to count the toes on his feet. Will he have hair? I can’t wait to look into his eyes, to watch him as he watches me, to smell his purity, to wrap him in soft blankets, and to hold him my arms. Will he need me to help him overcome an imperfection? It’s possible, he may not be perfect – of course he will be!

Although, labor was difficult to endure, the joy I felt waiting for him was overwhelmingly sweet, especially when the doctor declared that I was about to meet my first born, my son, for the first time; he assured me, “It won’t be long now, he’s on the way. He’ll show up most any minute.” I remember my heartbeat intensifying with the expectancy.

Then my thoughts veer to the anticipatory hope I have when I think about seeing my mother again, too. Although we’ve been separated by her death for almost 20 years, I remember her well. Her supple touch, the color of her hair, her gentle voice that so melodiously called me by the nickname she gave me - how could I forget? I can’t wait to look into her eyes again as she tenderly watches mine. But God assures me in 1 Thessalonians, Chapter 4 that I’ll see her again the moment he returns. There goes my heart again, beating with increasing speed at the anticipation. But for now, she’s not here.

Here comes my son; and in this moment, with my forehead still pressed against the window pane, I’m extremely excited about seeing him, and at the same moment, sad that he’ll be leaving soon. I reminisce about how many times I’ve felt the pain of separation; but, my heartbeat rockets as I also realize the hope I have.

That hope is that soon, there will be no more coming and going away; my mother will be here and my son will never leave. Our Lord assures us that, any moment, all things will be made perfect.

When he comes again, we will all live together with him, not for a brief time, but forever in paradise, and there’ll be no more of the anticipation, separation complexity.

My joy is inexpressible when I think about seeing him bring completion to it all, and I get excited when I think about the assurance he gives. God promises, “It won't be long now, he's on the way; he'll show up most any minute (Hebrews 10:37 MSG).” My heartbeat intensifies with the expectancy!
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This article has been read 594 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Bonnie Bowden 
03/12/11
A well written story. I really liked the verse you used at the end, it wasn't familiar to me.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/12/11
I could relate to quite A few of the mother's feelings You did a good job telling about her anxiety and showing her anticipation. I did wonder why it had been so long since they'd seen each other. The verses and reassurance that we'll be together in heaven.
Verna Mull
03/13/11
Good story, and kept one's interest.
diana kay
03/14/11
great story and so warmly told. those judges are going to have such a difficult time.... I have more than a few that i would place in the winners row and this is one of those. The title is a bit of a mouthful and i dont think it does justice to the simple emotive and simple well told contents of your piece. Just a tiny niggle but i am trying to find a constructive comment other than.... Wonderful!!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/17/11
Congratulations for placing 10th in level 1!