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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Empty and Full (06/04/09)
The young wife was on her front porch, seated in a white wooden rocker , gazing
across the yard at the quiet pond below. Her husband had left that afternoon for a weekend
business trip. Nine-year-old Noah was at camp for the weekend, and seven-year-old Sami
was sleeping over at a friends house. She had two whole days to herself.

Normally she enjoyed this alone time. She considered it a gift she could use as pleased.
Shopping. A movie. A leisurely lunch with friends. Sleeping late. Things she could not do when her
family was home. Today, however, she felt empty. She didn’t want to be alone. As she sat and rocked,
a single tear slipped from her eye.

Mark had asked her to go on the trip with him. She had said no. Why had she done
that? She said it was because of the children, but that wasn’t true. They had their own
plans for the weekend, and those plans didn’t include her. She had said no because she was
being selfish. She didn’t enjoy his business trips. He was busy during the day, she was left
alone. Not a big deal, really. Unless she made it a big deal.

She loved being with Mark. Enjoyed the evenings they could have together.
Savored their late night pillow-talks. Truth-be-told, she even enjoyed the free time she had
to explore her new surroundings. So why didn’t she go? Why did she choose a big, empty
house over a short weekend away?

When Mark announced he had to be away this particular weekend, she had become angry. She
had told him months ago the kids were going to be away for the weekend. She suggested at that time
they take a short break and go to the shore – just the two of them. No kids. No work. No
responsibilities. He had agreed it sounded delightful.

Immediately she made the reservations. She counted the weeks, then the days,
to their special weekend. Three days ago Mark announced, “I can’t go to the shore. My
boss is sending me to Sacramento on business. I have to make this trip. Please come
with me.”

She had argued, “What do you mean you’re going to Sacramento. You can’t. We had
plans for the shore. I was looking forward to this. I don’t want to go to Sacramento.
You never think about us. I hate your job. You’re always gone.” With those
words she stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind her. Mark stood there
devastated, feeling helpless.

Mark tried to explain to her that this project was important to his job. If the trip
was successful it would mean a huge promotion for him. He was taking this trip because he was
thinking about his family. Of course he would much prefer the shore with her, he had said, but he had
no choice. They would make plans later in the month for a weekend together.

She carried her anger for the next three days. She was mad at Mark. She was
mad at her kids, why, she didn’t know?

She had managed to drive Mark to the airport; managed to give him a quick kiss goodbye, but
her heart wasn’t in it. She almost hoped the project would fail.

Now, she was alone. Quiet all around, but not in her heart. As she sat, she picked
up her Bible which was lying on the table next to her. Opening to a page at random, her eyes
fixed on a verse from Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in
the name of the Lord Jesus…”

The Spirit whispered, “Your words and your actions were not done for my glory. You need
to apologize to your family.”

“Oh Lord, I am so sorry. I was wrong, and selfish. Mark was only doing what he
needed to, to assure his family was well provided for. Please forgive me.”

Sunday afternoon she met Mark at the airport, a single rose in her hand, an excited
smile on her face. After their embrace, she asked for his forgiveness. She told of her encounter
with the Spirit letting Mark know that her heart, once empty because of selfishness, was now full
because of God’s forgiveness.

Once home, two small children greeted her. Wrapping all three of them in her arms she said, “I
am sorry for being so angry. You make my life full and complete. I love you.”
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This article has been read 669 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Sharon Laughter
06/11/09
I enjoyed this journey, one many can relate to. An enjoyable read!
Phee Paradise
06/14/09
This was a really good story. You take the reader through the MC's progression of feelings and lead us to her change of heart. I did find all the short phrases a bit distracting, even if it was the way she thought. Also, telling us what Mark thought was a change of point of view that interrupted the flow.
Glynis Becker
06/15/09
Nicely done. Can't we all relate to moments like these? Thanks for sharing.
Connie Dixon
06/15/09
This was well-written with some great lessons for all of us. Good job!
Eliza Evans 
06/15/09
Nice writing.

Your entry could be greatly improved if you give your Main Character a name. :) As is, you use the word 'she' 41 times. That's an easy fix.

I like your title.
Well done. Keep writing! :)
Jana Kelley
06/15/09
This was a great read! Well written and with a great message. Well done!
Holly Jensen
06/15/09
A bonnie wee story. There are some minor gramattical errors, but nothing major. Here's an idea. The word "Why?" Can be one sentence. Then continue with: "She didn't know." Reads a little better. Good job!
Deborah Porter 
06/20/09
Hi Marilyn. I just wanted to leave a quick note to let you know your entry, A Weekend Alone, actually did very well in the Empty and Full Challenge. Although you didn't receive an award, you made it into the Highest Rankings for Level 1, placing 15th in that Level.

There were a lot of entries this week, and the competition is always intense in Level 1, so you deserve a pat on the back. :-)

If you'd like to check the highest rankings for yourself, you can find them here:
http://www.faithwriters.com/Boards/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=25956

The highest rankings are posted every Thursday evening on the Message Boards.

Hope to see you at the FaithWriters' Conference in August. It’s going to be an amazing time of inspiration, information and encouragement. (If I’ve already mentioned that to you, forgive me. We’re just so excited about letting members know about this great gathering.)
http://www.faithwriters.com/conference.php

With love, Deb (Challenge Coordinator)