Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: INDEFATIGABLE (02/11/16)
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TITLE: Mischievous Encounters | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Dick
02/18/16 -
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As I wrapped my bathrobe around me, I stumbled from the dim bedroom and made my way to the kitchen. Sitting in the middle of the floor amongst a pitcher of spilled apple juice and soggy Cheerios sat my young daughter.
“Mama!” Mandi blurted cheerfully.
Our day was beginning earlier than usual, and I quietly prayed for strength and survival.
Once I cleaned the apple juice from my child and got dressed for the day, the sticky kitchen floor required my attention. I deposited my toddler in front of Sesame Street and grabbed my mop before another mischievous idea settled in her brain. Multitasking was a challenge, and I knew I had failed when I heard giggling coming from my son’s bedroom. Setting down my mop, I ran into the room to find Mandi standing on the top bunk bed. With her arms straight up, she was rubbing the popcorn texture off of the ceiling and onto her head.
“Look Mama, it’s snowing!” She giggled.
My heart pounded as I quickly climbed the short ladder to carry her down, whispering a word of thanks that she hadn’t fallen.
“Mandi, you must be careful,” I explained, “you could have fallen and hurt yourself.”
She took the reprimand with a smile on her face as I led her back to the living room to watch a cartoon musical while I cleaned up mess number two.
Keeping her busy was always a challenge. She was a tireless toddler with a lot of energy. I longed to have the same energy, but I did not even come close.
Following lunch we ventured into the back yard. I hoped to wear Mandi out for a short but required nap. We played chase and enjoyed the swings.
“I want to do it myself,” she suddenly announced.
I stood back and watched as my child ran as fast as her legs would carry her toward the swing. She flew with outstretched arms to land on the swing with her tummy, but missed entirely, and landed on her face.
My body froze in shock as I waited the outcome of the flying toddler. However, nothing could stop my Mandi. She bounced right up with a laugh and tried again.
Later in the afternoon, I was relieved to have some quiet time while my three year old briefly slept. It was rare that I could spend quality time in my Bible study and I was thankful for a reprieve. God was always good to give me much needed words at exactly the right time.
“Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Ephesians 5:20.
It was hard to be thankful when it seemed my life existed of chasing and rescuing a toddler. Resting my head on the table, I was enjoying the quiet immensely, when I suddenly heard doors opening and closing. I gave a sigh as I quickly exited my kitchen to discover what mischief she was into now.
Opening the door to the guest bedroom, I found her climbing the open drawers of a heavy wooden dresser. Just as I arrived, the large piece of furniture tipped forward. I quickly grabbed it and pushed it upright, saving my daughter from being crushed. She looked up at me with her big brown eyes somewhat comprehending what had just taken place. I wrapped her in my arms and silently prayed, “Thank you Lord for this child with such an energetic spirit, and may she someday use it for your good.”
God protected my indefatigable child and she grew into a beautiful young woman. Her passion for music led her to teach young elementary children to sing, play instruments, and beat drums. As a teacher she works tirelessly with her students and serves the Lord with an energetic spirit in the way He intended, for His good.
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I liked how you created such a vivid image of a three-year-old toddler.