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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Craft (as in handcraft) (02/08/07)
When I was 12 years old, my father made for me my first “real” wallet. It was a classic bi-fold style wallet, made out of genuine rawhide, and it was very soft to the touch. Its tan pigment was quite a contrast to the black and brown wallets carried by the other guys. And to make it even more personalized, Dad stamped my initials in the corner. On the day he gave it to me, I began to dream about all the things I would carry around in it: pictures of my family and friends, ticket stubs to the minor league baseball game or new hit movie, and (of course), money.

But despite the fact that the wallet was “real” and unique, the reason it was very special to me was the fact that Dad was not exactly considered a “skilled craftsman”. In fact, neither one of those words was ever spoken of Dad. No sir, if you needed something made from scratch (or repaired), Dad’s name was nowhere on the list of names to call.

Plus, Dad was going through a very difficult period in his life. The physical and emotional toil he was carrying at this point was gargantuan. It was a dark and painful season for all of us. Yet, in the midst of it all, he took the time (and all the talent he could muster) to make his boy a wallet.

The very next Sunday, against the advice from my mother, I took my prized wallet to church. I could not wait to show it off to everyone! In my heart, I knew that my Sunday School teachers and friends would be pleased to see such a special gift. And I was right--my new wallet was a big hit!

As I was leaving church that day, I felt like Joseph after he had received his coat of many colors from Jacob! That is, until I reached for my back pocket to check for my wallet--and it was not there. In a panic, I quickly retraced all my steps. I looked in every room--down every hall. But to no avail. My wallet was nowhere to be found, and would never be recovered.

I felt so ashamed when I stood before my father and told him that I had lost his gift to me. I was also scared that he would be disappointed in me to the point of not speaking to me. But Dad shrugged it off as only a father can, telling me that it was OK. But I knew my news stung him a little, and I felt so empty inside since there was nothing I could do to get the wallet back.

Looking back, I have often thought about Dad taking the time and effort to give to me a special token of his affection. My Dad looked at where I was in life, and recognized that life would require of me to have a place to carry around my personal effects. And so out of his love for me he made me a wallet.

I have another Father who loves me and understands the needs that this life presents. Yet unlike my Dad, my Heavenly Father does not settle for giving the ordinary, trivial sort of gift. Not Him--He goes all out! For example, out of the love of my Heavenly Father I received this: “but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NIV). Isn’t that an amazing gift? Think about it: it’s exactly what I needed and it’s without question the gift that keeps on giving!

Plus, it’s so wonderful to know that this is a gift even I can’t lose!
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This article has been read 746 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jacquelyn Horne
02/16/07
Good story. A nice way to portray our Father's love.
Scott Thomas
02/20/07
nice story, I enjoyed reading it and can relate to it. I think it would make for an excellent devotional.
Julie Arduini
02/22/07
I agree about the devotional. This was an emotional piece with a great message. Great job!
Sara Harricharan
02/22/07
Ohhh! I could share the disappointment at losing such a treasured gift! You did a good job with the emotions in this piece. I also like how you managed to add the piece at the bottom about another priceless gift. Well done ^_^
william price
02/22/07
Very good story. You told it well, but it is alos why it could have been much better. You told us everything and didn't show anything. I can tell you are a good writer, so I don't feel like I'm wasting my time giving some pointers. Yu have great potential. A little dialogue would have helped your story. Also your lead was a lil so-so. I think if you would have started with the main character losing the wallet it would have been a better hook. Overall, a great story, you have great talent, and with a lil work many more people than us here at FWs will be reading your future work. God bless.
Myrna Noyes
02/22/07
As is, your story has an excellent devotional quality to it. I really enjoyed reading it! However, I do agree that the opening could have been "punched up" a bit to grab the reader right off. Thank you for sharing this wonderful piece with us! :)
Edy T Johnson
02/22/07
This is the point of the story that just stuns me. You take us from the heights to the depths in a matter of seconds. What pathos! I love what you have done, here:

"As I was leaving church that day, I felt like Joseph after he had received his coat of many colors from Jacob! That is, until I reached for my back pocket to check for my wallet--and it was not there."

The link to Joseph and his coat is just beautiful, and it is painful to read how quickly that joy came crashing down. I look forward to reading more of the story.