Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of “A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush” (without using the actual phrase or literal example). (01/10/08)
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TITLE: A SPARROW'S SONG | Previous Challenge Entry
By Emily Blakely
01/17/08 -
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“Are you positive you want to make this move, Jerry? I can understand, but you will be missed if you go,” his boss replied.
“Well, I’ve given it a lot of thought and prayed about it. Yes, I’m comfortable with the decision.” Jerry thanked his boss, then left to tidy his desk before heading home.
There had been rough and turbulent times over the past year, dealing with backstabbing and undercutting from co-workers. No, leaving this job didn’t bother him. It was actually kind of a relief. He locked the office and left.
On the drive home, self-doubt crept in. If we move and I can’t find work, then what? Jerry wondered. In the last six months he had put out a few applications, but nothing had turned up. That’s when he began considering his parents’ need tugging at him. Pros and cons weighed, he felt that the Lord would have opened other doors if he was to remain here.
Beep...beep Jerry answered his cell phone, “Hello?”
“Is this Jerry Davidson?”
“Yes, this is Jerry.”
“This is Carl Smith, Green Electric Coop. It’s been a while, but you put in an application with us. We liked your resume and have an opening we thought you may be interested in. Can you come in for an interview?”
Stunned, The benefits and job security at Green Electric would certainly be a big step up.
“Mr. Smith, I’ve had to make a difficult decision and will be relocating to be closer to my parents. They’re having some health issues. But, thank you for considering me.”
“Well, Jerry, if you change your mind in the next few days, give me a call, please. My number is 942-1160. I wish you the best.”
“Thank you,” Jerry ended the call as he turned the block to his street. Parked on the drive, he sat a few minutes, mind mulling over the circumstance.
Entering the house, he noticed the answer machine blinking and pressed play, “This message is for Jerry Davidson. Please call 942-7748 and ask for Sherrie in Personnel.”
Sherrie Jones, he knew, worked for another business he had contacted. At the time he interviewed with her, the company did not have an opening but he sensed that he would have been hired if there had been.
Sinking to a chair, What is going on? Head dropping to hands. How am I to sort all this out? “Commit thy way unto the Lord...” (Psa. 37:5) echoed in his mind.
Over dinner Jerry shared the day’s events with the family, trying to hide his own anxiety. Later, alone with his wife, they prayed. “Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Prov. 3:5)
Thoughts swirling in the stillness of night gave Jerry little sleep.
Did I mistake the Lord’s guidance in this decision? Did I not wait long enough? “The fear of man bringeth a snare...,” the voice from Proverbs answered. (Prov. 29:25) Jerry tried to remember the rest of the verse, Something like trust in the Lord...and being safe? I’ll look it up in the morning.
Jerry mentally replayed the conversation with Mr. Smith and the message from Sherrie, both good prospects. Then drifting back towards sleep he remembered, “...better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” (Psa. 118:8)
With dawn streaming its light through a crack in the curtain, Jerry stretched, muscles feeling as though he had run a race rather than sleep during the night. Outside, a bird’s morning song electrified him. “Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, [even] thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my king and my God.” (Psa. 84:3) Jerry felt at peace, confident he was following the Lord’s lead and in His will. We’d better start packing!
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Note: Scripture is from KJV.
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I liked the way you showed his thoughts and doubts.
I was hoping it would end with a better job near his parents' house.
Good writing.