The Hidden Gem | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: The Hidden Gem | Previous Challenge Entry
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08/11/16
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Driving on country roads was one of John’s most favorite things to do. He would often take time on Sunday afternoons to explore the nooks and crannies in his corner of the world. It was on one of these Sunday drives that John made an unexpected discovery.

While at church that very morning, John had heard an inspiring sermon about God’s everlasting and amazing love for him. He was stirred deeply by the thought that the Redeemer and Restorer of his soul had truly rescued him from a life of despair. He was still pondering the significance of the message as he drove. His heart was so moved with joy that he almost forgot where he was!

Before he knew it, John had turned onto an unfamiliar curving road. And there in front of him was a most unusual place. He stopped his car, got out and took in the sight. Right away he was smitten with this abandoned bungalow.

The hidden gem was surrounded by a jungle of weeds and thorns. Even though the house seemed to be in pretty good shape, the porch sloped downward and the stone steps were chipped and uneven. Wild grapevines had climbed up on the house’s pillars and front of the house- choking out the classic lanterns that flanked the leaded glass door. Even the “For Sale” sign was buried in a plethora of thistles and dandelions.

Surely this place had been a stately cottage in its day, but the previous owners had neglected its care. Now this former beauty was in ruins. “Why would anyone leave this place?”, John thought. For some reason, John was not appalled by this weeded kingdom. He actually fell in love with the “estate!” There was definitely something of beauty to be uncovered there. Arrangements were quickly made with the powers that be. The purchase for this broken-down abode went smoothly. John felt certain that this home could find new life, again.

Almost right away he got to work peeling back vines and reshaping the overgrown bushes. Tree branches were trimmed and the lawn was mowed. John did not procrastinate in getting this hidden treasure back into shape. Little by little, the beauty was restored.

The house was scrubbed inside and out. A fresh coat of paint and some hefty elbow grease did wonders for this once neglected abode. The word, “Welcome” was skillfully stenciled on the front door of his home: a perfect touch, it seemed, for anyone who might pass by. And finally, wonder of wonders, a glorious little bungalow emerged! This house had loads of character that not even John had anticipated.
For the final, yet crowning touch, John lovingly manicured the lawn and created colorful flower beds. Vibrant geraniums, petunias and verbena adorned the yard. He did not even mind getting dirt under his fingernails nor did he care that his hands bore blisters from his hard work. It was a small price to pay for his new home. He could not believe this incredible treasure was his!

But, why did he have such a deep affection for his new home? Perhaps it had been the awareness of God’s amazing love for him that influenced John’s love for this abandoned home. At one time he, too, had felt dejected and alone, but in due time, the Redeemer and Restorer of his soul had fully rescued him. Restoration without an ounce of procrastination was God’s gift to his broken soul. Now John was ready to share God’s love with others as he opened his home to all who would enter it. The good news was just too good to keep all to himself.

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