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Topic: Achoo (04/11/13)
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TITLE: Honk if you are Secure | Previous Challenge Entry
By MARLA GROETHE
04/16/13 -
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So what happens when order is non-existent for the day? We have a messy little creature (me) that goes from slightly irritable to “I’m going to lose my mind” status, little by little throughout the day.
The little irritants start very early in the morning some days. “What do you mean, you are charging fees for a credit card I don’t even use?” I quibble uselessly at the rep on the phone. As I pace, I note that the neighbor dog is drinking all the water I just filled as our dog sits passively by. Now I must take the r/o water we need for coffee to refill the bowl. Walking into the kitchen, the wind from the kitchen window is blowing today’s bank appointment paperwork all over the floor. Ghaa!
My husband is sneezing his famous “cannon ball” sneezes, making it impossible to hear the credit card rep stating where the clause is regarding these fees. “Well ma’am, just write a letter with all pertinent information to US Airways asking for the fees to be waived,” the rep suggests.
My thoughts are abounding. “Oh sure, let me fit this into my tight schedule so I can avoid paying $45 for a card that your airline rep sweet-talked me into while waiting for our Florida flight.” I feel myself going from the “slightly to moderately” irritated stage.
I talk myself down. “Ok, this will take about 25 minutes to complete and save $45. Just do it.” I grab my tea since there isn’t any coffee. I attempt to flip on a “King of Queens” rerun, figuring it is a good antidote for my sufferings while composing this letter.
The world Nightly News reporter, Brian Williams is reviewing details of the Boston bombings. My sense of reality just went from my own upsetting morning to living in a world that makes less and less sense.
God speaks as many scriptures pop into my mind.
Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Matthew 6:20 - Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
Psalm 61:1-2 - From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
Isaiah 12:2 - Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."
There is always something that makes us feel insecure, from a broken routine to the ultimate hardship of suffering a horrific tragedy, like our Boston neighbors. There is no security on earth to cling to. There is no treasure that cannot be destroyed.
The insecurity of the world makes me feel more secure. It makes me stop and recognize that God is in control and all I have is today. I want to make the best of today. I think I will pay the $45 fee, cancel the credit card and use the 25 minutes to pray.
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Out of all the criteria that the judges use, I think this story might come up weakest on topic. Though you mention sneezing, if you took that line out, it wouldn't change your story any. A good way to guess if you're on topic is to take out any parts referring to the topic, if once they are taken out, your story doesn't make sense then you know you are on topic.
I do think you will score well in many of the other criteria. Your beginning drew me in. It is creative and well written. The ending is superb and the message is strong and comes out without sounding preachy. This is a wonderful reminder of how we turn little things into big ones, while around us real problems are literally exploding all over. Excellent job.