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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Home (01/09/06)
Home. House. A place. Or something more? More than what, you ask? More than stucco, windows, appliances and granite tops. More than the frozen dinners, hurriedly popped into microwave on way to work. More than tired conversations, the same “How’s the day?”, then hacking away at the computer while the kids detailed the day. Do you think that the “Sorry, I’ve no time “excuse you give time and again will lessen their need for you, and they will grow up fine just because your parents did the same? Do you not see the longing in their eyes as they watch their friends clowning around the yard with their dad, their laughter rising in unison, a reminder of the rift within, and they try to laugh as well to thwart the pain they cannot paint (for how do you paint a chasm of void?) You tell them you have no time to play ball, no time for Monopoly, no time to play peek-a-boo, no time to sit awhile on the porch to savor the togetherness, no time to laugh or even play catch as playing catch seems so frivolous, and, what’s more, it takes too much effort to relate to little beings that spill varied emotions, so you cover up your phlegmatic outlook with seemingly more important things like catching your big dreams in sieve-like bags that seem grand and important and urgent.


Grand and important, they all fall into this noble category and you built your life around them in a flurry of activities that leave you irritable and peeved at the end of the day, which serve as the perfect excuse for not reading to your kids at night, even though they secretly wish you could. They gradually stop asking you to join them to avoid scrapping at a scab that you can‘t seem to see even though it grows bigger as they grow taller and further away from you. . “The kids will understand one day” you say with smug propriety to cover the pain of reality, “ I provide, didn’t I?” You do but a house cannot stand on food, and clothes and toys. It thrives on lives intertwined with God‘s love. The notes of laughter flatter. Listen and fine-tune. Allow God. Enjoy. Home.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Julianne Jones
01/22/06
This was insightful and with a message that is sorely needed in today's world. You've reminded me of why I go fishing or camping when I'd rather not: for the kids and that sense of 'togetherness' that is so vital. Thanks for sharing this. Good work.