Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Sewing (02/22/07)
-
TITLE: Let's Celebrate | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mary Foster
02/28/07 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Hana lifted her favorite dress out of the closet. She took the seam ripper out of her basket and sat for an hour ripping seams. The picture in her mind of her little girl’s faces when they saw what she made kept her fingers flying. As soon as the skirt was lifted from the bodice and the side seams opened she spread it out on the ironing board. Pressing the warm iron to the material her mind went back to a dance she had shared with her sweetheart.
Fifties music played through her mind. They danced every slow dance together but she had liked it best when he asked her to walk outside with him. The garden was full of lovely blooms and full of people too so they found a secluded corner on the wrap around porch to talk.
“You remember the first time you wore this dress?” He asked.
“Of course, you took me to my first ballet and afterwards while walking through the park you stopped by the azaleas and asked me to marry you.”
“I’ll never forget that night. I was so nervous. I was afraid I would lose the ring. I thought my voice was going to desert me.”
Laughing she reached up to cradle his face in her hands. “I hope tonight will be unforgettable too.” His eyebrows rose. “Sweetheart another of our dreams is about to come true.”
He watched her face, her smile grew as comprehension sparkled in his eyes. “A baby!” He pulled her into his embrace and held her tightly.
Hannah laughed again at the memory. Now ten years later, they had three beautiful children. Springtime brought the promise of new things for the world and for their lives. She wanted to celebrate by making things for her family; a belt woven from leather and decorated with silver wire for their son, doll dresses made from her favorite party dress, for the girls. For her sweetheart, she would make his favorite meal and dress for the occasion.
Gratitude filled her with joy. “Lord, you have given me so many blessings. Thank you for your mercy that saved me, for your grace that sustains me, and for your faithfulness that never ceases to bless us all. May all be for Your glory. In Jesus Name I pray amen.” Hannah prayed as she sewed. Stitches gathered on the cloth bringing material together, a metaphor for her life. God had brought the pieces of her life together in a way that blessed and encouraged her. How beautifully He had constructed the threads of life, making it useful for Him.
When the little clock on the mantle chimed three o’clock Hannah was placing little dresses in boxes for her girls. Quickly wrapping them she went to the kitchen to check on the pot roast she had started earlier that day. Adding water and vegetables she covered the pot, shoved it back inside the oven and went to take a quick shower before the children would arrive from school.
Ray, Cat, and Elle ran into the house teasing and chattering as usual. The three rounded the corner into the living room. They came to a stop and silently stared at their mother who sat in a chair across the room, dressed in her best blue satin dress. Hannah laughed and held out her hands to her children. “Good afternoon sweethearts, how was your day?”
“Are you going to a party?”
“Yes,” the mother replied with a smile.
“Where?” The youngest asked her face solemn.
“Right here.”
“Yea!!” the three jumped up and down in their excitement.
Later as the family sat around the table, the children tore into their presents. The girls squealed in delight, holding the peach satin doll dresses. Ray stood to put his new belt on glancing indulgently at his giddy sisters. Their father reached for Hannah’s hand, “Now tell me what we are celebrating please.” He smiled at his wife.
“We are celebrating our blessings.” She said with a smile. “God has been so good to give us each other. He is always there when we need Him and I could think of nothing better today than to make this day a celebration of His gifts to us.”
He lifted her hand, kissed her fingers and turned to the children, “Children, God has sure given us a treasure. Let’s mark this day on the calendar and celebrate every year.”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.