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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: CABIN (09/08/22)
“Hey, honey. I think I found the answer to our anniversary get-away. How about us going to Gatlinberg, Tennessee and rent a mountain cabin,” my husband excitedly shared this news with me.

Spending our forty-fifth anniversary in a cabin didn’t exactly excite me, however, it would be something different. Maybe such a stay would prove to be an exciting adventure. Viewing life from a cabin deep in the woods of the Smoky Mountains with nothing but nature around us. Could be a possibility.

“Sounds great,” I replied.

Three days later we had our car packed and were on our way from Pennsylvania to Tennessee.

As we drove, I mused about our stay. A cabin? What would it be like? Would it feel like home? Having never stayed in a mountain cabin before, I had no idea what to expect. My husband assured me it had all the modern conveniences, and more.

I trusted my husband.

Ten hours later we arrived at the most adorable mountain cabin called “The Three Bears,” aptly named for the three carved wooden bears greeting us as we pulled into the driveway.

As promised, it was well equipped with everything we would need. After we had our car unpacked and were settled in our new home for the week, Peter and I decided to take a short walk to see what our surroundings were like.

We started down the winding country road and had walked about one hundred yards when we encountered a sight - both adorable and scary. There, not more than eighty feet in front of us, was a mama bear and her three cubs.

“What do we do?” I whispered to Peter.

“We back up slowly, keeping our eyes on the family before us. What I want you to do is turn around so you can see where we are going. I will walk backward keeping my eyes on them. Here, take my hand.”

I grabbed Peter’s hand and started walking. I had to walk slowly so he would not trip and fall. I feared any sudden move would alarm the bears. We had hoped the family would find us uninteresting, turn around, and continue their journey into the woods.

This was not to be. The babies thought they had found a new playmate as they trotted up the road toward us, with mama in tow.

Peter kept saying “go back little bears, go back,” but they kept coming forward.

“Peter, I whispered. They are gaining on us. Why do they have to keep running. We still have about twenty yards to get to the cabin. We’re not going to make it.” I was near tears.

“We will be fine. Just keep walking.”

I did more than keep walking, I prayed hard. “Dear Lord, please keep these little furry cubs from taking too much delight in us humans. They may be friendly, but I don’t think mama will see it that way. Please get us back to the cabin safely and in one piece. Amen.”

My husband chuckled at my child-like prayer.

Finally, the cabin was in view. I turned into the drive, let go of Peters hand and ran to the door to get it unlocked so we could get safely inside. My running caused the little ones to run faster as well. Peter turned and high-tailed it into the house, with a family of bears chasing him.

Slamming the door shut, we watched out the window as this family nosied around our cabin. Mama finally gathered her cubs to her side and scurried them out the drive and on down the road. I only hoped they would go far into the woods before we took another walk down this road - IF we took a walk down this road.

I was reminded of what Isaiah 11:7-8 said. “Wolves and sheep will live together in peace, and leopards will lie down with young goats. Calves and lion cubs will feed together, and little children will take care of them. Cows and bears will eat together, and their calves and cubs will lie down in peace. Lions will eat straw as cattle do. Even a baby will not be harmed if it plays near a poisonous snake.”

One day, in God’s perfect home, those three bears and their mama will be my best playmates.
But until then, I’m staying far away from all bears - friendly or not.

I guess our little cabin was aptly named.

The Three Bears.




Scripture from Good News
This story is fiction
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 303 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Avigail David
09/15/22
I enjoyed the story and the writing style. Riveting.

Thank you!



















i
Naoma Bird
09/16/22
I really enjoyed this story. It held my attention, had just enough suspense and a happy ending, which reminded me of the happy ending waiting for us as followers of Jesus.
Suspense mixed with a happy ending an encouraging lesson. Doesn't get much better than that. Thank you.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
09/21/22
This is a delightful tale. You held my interest from the beginning to the very end. One thing you might want to consider is more showing. Instead of saying your husband is excited, show what that looks like. Perhaps he's grinning from ear to ear or lightly bouncing on his toes as he swings your arms back and forth. FW offers a free book to Gold and Platinum members that will really help with that called Bring Your Writing to Life. You just need to email Mike and ask for it. Another thing I noticed was the wife was turned around so she could see where they were going (a brilliant idea in my opinion), but how can she see that the bears are catching up if she is facing the other way? It's a little thing, but little things can make a huge difference. I liked your take on the topic. I love when people include prayers in stories because some people don't know how to pray. Personally, I don't feel it was childlike at all. You do a nice job developing conflict and resolving them.
C D Swanson 
09/21/22
This was not only enjoyable but had a great Biblical message at close. Wonderful, thank you!
God bless~
C D Swanson 
09/22/22
Congrats!
God Bless~