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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Vines (11/21/05)
Sarah had always wondered whether she was doing a good job raising Ben. Being a single parent had its ups and downs but she had never thought about it being difficult. It was just what she had to do, it was her life.

She often felt guilty about not spending enough time with him, working late, not fetching him on time, but realised that there was nothing she could do about it. And when she did spend time with him, she wondered whether he took note of her actions, which sometimes didn’t match her words. Her biggest worry was whether she was effectively teaching him about God and whether he was absorbing anything.

Ben had gone to visit with her parents and she would be joining him in seventeen days, seventeen long days. She prayed for his protection and for strength and patience. Amazingly Ben only cried for her once, and that was just because he couldn’t find his clothes in his suitcase. Sarah felt so alone.

She called Ben and he sounded really happy, regaling his holiday so far, how much fun he was having, who he had visited. Sarah felt relieved that he was more independent than she thought but also a bit sad that Ben was growing up so fast.

Her cell phone rang and her dad told her about their day at the beach. “We took Ben, Matthew and Carlon to the beach yesterday. They were swimming, building sandcastles and watching touch rugby. Ben got a bit too close and one of the player’s knees knocked against his head. But don’t worry, it’s only a small knob.”

Sarah bit her tongue thinking, “It’s only a small knob.”

Her dad continued. “Later on we got into the car and I closed the door, jamming Ben’s fingers. He cried a bit and we put some sea water on it. And do you know what he said Sarah? He said, “I just prayed to God to take the pain away and see, its better.”"

“Really?” Sarah said with tears in her eyes and a smile in her voice. Her dad chatted a bit and then hung up.

Sarah thought, “Thank you Lord for easing my fears.” She realised that all we have to do is plant the seed and the vines will grow by themselves, bearing fruit in His time.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Nina Phillips
11/30/05
Lovely story..I found it interesting that the child lead the mother in faith. Very sweet. God bless ya, littlelight
Janice Stotz
12/02/05
Nina took the words right out of my mouth. I enjoyed its light, heartwarming feel.
Sandra Petersen
12/03/05
Like most things, being a single parent is sometimes what one has to do, accepting the situation rather than "Kicking against the goads". Requires special types of women and men to do it successfully with God's guidance. (I'm not a single parent, but have observed mothers who are.) All parents who spend time in self-examination and repentance wonder about their actions and words being consistent. I know I do. And, of course, the universal concern of all Christian parents: is the Gospel message penetrating so that my child will choose the right path willingly. I wondered as I began this article what age Ben was...this information would help the reader know if Mom was being overly protective, if Ben was just over-reacting to the situation with the clothes in the suitcase, etc. What a confirmation: when our children know to pray or stand up for what is right and someone else tells us what they observed. Good job!