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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Shhh. (02/18/10)
There are many things in my life right now that continually spin on broken record mode. These areas of my life drone on over and over again.

Laundry...Laundry…Laundry…
Cooking…Cooking...Cooking…
Dishes…Dishes…Dishes…
Dusting… (Ok so this one happens to skip a bit)

You can hear the rhythm right? This looped melody plays out day after day. For the most part I have grown accustomed to the repetition, but there is one song on my record right now that sounds like finger nails screaming down a black board. Though the other songs can be tedious in their nature, this certain song requires immense patience to get through. This song tends to play when I am dealing with my children.

Listen…Listen…Listen…

During lesson time the pitch pulsates up and down the scale. Will you listen..listen..listen? When it is times to pick up toys and do chores the volume raises a notch. Are you listening..listening..listening? Over and over again it plays. Will they ever learn the meaning behind this song I wonder?

I anxiously wait each day until I can lift the needle from the turntable and still the spinning if only temporarily. When the shadows of the night take hostage the fleeting dusk I know it is time. “Shhhhh!” I whisper as the turn table slows and the notes domino into a slow motion collision of silence.

I drink in the silence, big gulps of it. It refreshes me. I create my circle. Within it are my Bible, my pen, my journal and a glass of water. I begin to pray, lifting my burdens and sharing my heart. Then it happens. I hear a familiar screeching melody wrapping around my words. What? This is not possible. This is my circle of quiet I protest. I glance at my journal and continue to go down my list trying to block out the tune playing softly over and over. Why is this song playing now? Is it a sign that I need to pray for my children to listen better? That seems pointless. I’m convinced they will never learn.
It is then that I pinpoint a startling realization. Though it is my song being sung, it is not my voice singing it.

Listen..Listen..Listen..
Will you just listen..listen..listen..

The refrain of my Savior surrounds me.

Will you yourself ever learn the meaning to this song?
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This article has been read 754 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Sarah Heywood
02/26/10
Very convicting to me - I am a homeschooling mother of 4 and my days are endless loops of the same song, too. I often feel as though I am missing something, and I think you touched on what that thing is. Good writing.
Lisha Hunnicutt
02/28/10
This is a very powerful piece. You've written a winner in my book!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/02/10
I love seeing how much you have blossomed as a writer! This piece spoke to my heart. I laughed out loud about the dusting line. Well-written and you made an excellent point.
R Quist
03/03/10
I loved this. The record analogy used throughout the piece worked incredibly well. I laughed in the beginning, and several times was startled by the powerful ways you used analogy to get various points across. Plus, I was personally reminded that I need to set aside more time for listening -- me and God.
Jan Ackerson
03/03/10
Beautiful--marvelous pacing and imagery.
Loren T. Lowery
03/03/10
Your word phrasing/choice and imagery is wonderful. Your message beautiful. Great job.
Sarah Elisabeth
03/04/10
Excellent job crafting this piece!
Edmond Ng
03/04/10
Amid the chores is the time we need to listen, not to ourselves, but to God our Savior. You have written well and the message gets across nicely.
Beth LaBuff 
03/04/10
Beautiful, devotional thoughts! I especially like this, "I whisper as the turn table slows and the notes domino into a slow motion collision of silence." Great message!