Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Measure (01/10/13)
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TITLE: Measuring for a Lifetime | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lynn Moses
01/16/13 -
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“I’m trying…ouch!”
“That’s why I said to hold still.”
Megan was rubbing the spot on her hip that her mother poked with a pin.
“Your grandmother always taught me to ‘measure twice, cut once.’ Megan’s mom said with pins in her mouth.
“Did she mean cut your daughter?” They both laughed.
Sandy continued to measure, mark and pin as Megan stood looking in the full length mirror. She couldn’t believe her mother was making her wedding dress. It was going to be beautiful, and a lot less expensive than a store-bought dress.
“Okay, you’re done for now Megan. Why don’t you go check on your father and see how he’s coming along on the gazebo? We can all have lunch together in about an hour.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
As Megan walked downstairs, she reminisced about growing up with her family in this house. She could recall many good memories with family and friends. Of course there were challenging times too, like when Grandma Ellie died and when dad was out of work for a whole year. But their faith in God and his promise to always be with them carried them through. Soon, she and Tony would be making their own memories.
Megan opened the sliding glass door to the backyard. It was so beautiful. Lush green grass outlined with Mom’s flowers all around the border of the large lot. It was the perfect place for her wedding.
“Hey, Dad! The gazebo looks great. Can I help you?” Megan had learned a thing or two about building from her father over the years. Evidently, she would be the fix-it person in the family when she married Tony, since he wasn't so handy.
“Sure, come and hold this tape measure for me. I’m having a hard time holding it myself and I want to get this right. You know the old saying, ‘measure twice, cut once.’ He said as he handed her the end of the tape measure.
“That’s funny; Mom just said the same thing to me about measuring for the wedding dress.”
“Here’s another one for ya, ‘great minds think alike.’ That’s why your mom and I have done so well over the years. It hasn't always been easy and we've had our share of problems, but when it came to core values, we agreed and we were always honest with each other. Your mother grilled me with questions until she felt comfortable saying yes to my proposal. Do you believe you and Tony share the same values?”
“Yes, of course, Dad. I love him!” Megan said emphatically.
“Love is great, but that’s not what I asked. You need to evaluate more tangible qualities and make sure they ‘measure up.’ Get it?”
“Yes, Dad, very funny, but is there a problem with Tony? I thought you liked him.”
“I like what little I know of him. You two have only known each other for 6 months and already you’re getting married. Do you believe you know him well enough?
“Well… ya…, of course.” Megan replied.
“Do you know how financially responsible he is? Have you guys had a real argument and how did it go? How will you divide up the household chores? What are his feelings on having children? Has he been married before?”
“Dad! Where is this coming from?”
“I love you, Honey, and I want the absolute best for you-nothing less. It’s just like the ‘measure twice, cut once’ philosophy. You do it so you don’t make a costly mistake. If you you've truly ‘measured’ Tony and your beliefs line up, then I’m the happiest dad in the world.”
“Thanks, Dad. I love you too. Everything will be just fine. I’m going in now to make lunch.” Megan turned and made her way to the house to avoid any further discussion about Tony.
Once inside, she couldn't stop thinking about the measuring adage her parents both used with her. Was God trying to send her a message? She knew Tony well enough, didn't she?
Megan acknowledged that she didn't know all the answers to her father’s questions. What if she was surprised later and it was too late?
Megan took her cell phone out of her pocket. As she dialed, she figured now would be a good time pray.
Father, help me to measure my relationship with Tony according to your balances.
“Hello?”
“Hi Tony, it’s me. Could we get together and talk?”
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The one thing I might suggest is to not to use the topic word so much. I think you'd be surprised at how many times you use it. When I see the topic sprinkled throughout the story, I think the author was worried it might not be on topic. Many of the Master writers will never mention the topic word but still be totally on topic.
I'm really impressed how you took this to another level. There have been many stories with the theme of measure twice cut once. However your original POV makes your story fresh and creative. I think it is a touch of genius how you used the cliché to see if the man is the right man to marry. It's a great way to tackle the topic in a different and interesting way. I truly enjoyed this piece and think you did a fabulous job.
God bless~