Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Life (06/15/06)
-
TITLE: What Life Is | Previous Challenge Entry
By Maryolyn Payne
06/16/06 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
The Lester family lived in a small cottage that needed repairs very badly. The paint had peeled, the roof had curled shingles. Landscaping was non-existent. The inside of the home was in shambles. Wallpaper fell from the wall, the floors were splintery. There was little space for the family. Sarah improvised the best she could for her family. Daren Lester worked very hard at city sanitary department to furnish his family in basic needs. The pay was poor, but it put food on the table. Their children Dean, Joni, and Jack’s shoes were cracked and weathered. In the cold winter months they wore thinning sweaters. The family had many needs. Still the family was happy with life.
The Crump family had a huge brick residence with exotic landscaping, and a beautiful swimming pool and courtyard. There was little lack for material possessions inside and outside the plush home. Each of the children had their own room with a private bath. Shawn’s and Elizabeth or better known as Lizzy wore stylish clothing. The father, Robert, had a well paying job with Brockton Law Firm. The mother, Jan, taught school in the district, which added even more income.
The children of both families attended school in the city of Brockton, Kentucky.
The one distinct difference between the two families was the fact that one was happy while the other family was miserable with life. The Lesters attended church, prayed, and read the Bible together each night. The Crumps never attended church and knew nothing about the Bible.
“Momma, why do some people have so much, yet are so unhappy ?” Joni asked.
“Who are you speaking of?”
“The Crump kids. They never smile.”
“Perhaps they do not know the One who gives life.”
“M-m-m-m . . . I never thought about that. Is there anything we could do to show Jesus to them?”
“Maybe you could ask them to the church teen get together.”
“They are so full of material wealth I don’t know if they would even think about being around the teenagers who come.”
“Is it fun?”
“It is for us.”
“Teenagers always want to get in on fun.”
“Mom, these kids are different.”
“Maybe you could just ask them. See what happens.”
“I-I-I . . . don’t know, Mom.”
“Pray about it.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
For two weeks Joni faithfully asked the Lord to use her as a tool to reach the Crump teens. One day Joni saw Lizzy sitting on the front step at school. She whispered, “Help, Lord.”
“Hello, Lizzy.”
“Do I know you?”
“We’re in the same math class. My name is Joni.”
Lizzy tried ignoring Joni.
“Our church has a teen night on Thursday. We get together and play games and eat pizza. It is great fun. Maybe you and your brother would like to come join us,” Joni said.
“We don’t go out much.”
“It is oodles of fun.”
“Thanks anyway.”
“Hope to see you. It starts at 6. Here’s the address.” Joni breathed a prayer of thanksgiving. She felt sure she had not convinced Lizzy to attend, but she was pleased with the courage to ask.
Thursday the teens were gathered for fun. Glancing around to see if by chance Lizzy had decided to come, Joni soon forgot about her. In the midst of a fantastic serve someone stepped in and sent the volleyball zooming back. Joni was so surprised she missed the return all together. Looking up to see who was playing with that skill she saw Lizzy grinning.
“Hey, Lizzy. Glad you could come. Wish you had chosen this side to be on. We need a good player.” They instantly bonded.
Every Thursday Lizzy attended. Soon Shawn came too. Their parents noticed a tremendous difference in them and inquired what was happening. Lizzy said, “We’ve been going to a church teen night and to church on Sunday. Want to come and see what life is really about?”
“What is life about?” Robert asked.
“Life is not money. It is being wealthy in knowing the Lord Jesus and having friends,” Shawn spoke.
Each week the Crumps saw such a drastic change in their children they wanted to join them in finding out what life really is. They found that life really is about knowing the Lord and having friends through him. Now, both families are equally happy with life.
John 10:10 …I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
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.