Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of “A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush” (without using the actual phrase or literal example). (01/10/08)
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TITLE: Too High a Price | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jim Hall
01/17/08 -
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The towering Rocky Mountains look even more majestic from twenty-seven thousand feet and he was taking in the scenery. His eyes fell onto a lonely stretch of country road and the barely discernable dot that inched along its path.
“Man, I am really on top of the world.” He leaned back and closed his eyes. “I wonder if the people in that car ever heard me preach.” The thought caused a smile to play across his face.
John was on top of the world in more ways than one. With just over nine years on the evangelistic field, things couldn’t be better.
He pulled a small notebook out of his shirt pocket. “Sixteen saved tonight, nine last night, and fifteen the night before.” He rubbed his hands together until he could feel the heat radiate across his palms. “No one else is putting up numbers like that.” Marta is going to be thrilled.
The blonde beauty that waited at home was more than he deserved. He never doubted that. They attended the same Christian School then the same college. With their mutual love for God and passion for winning the lost, it only made sense that they get married.
She had been right at his side throughout the lean first years of ministry and then cheered with him when he made his appointment to the National Evangelist list with his denomination. The new position had meant a hectic schedule and few nights at home. In fact, he had only slept in the same bed as his wife three times in the last month. Thankfully, she understood.
John found himself twisting his wedding ring as he anticipated his homecoming. A conference that he was to keynote in Bangladesh had cancelled and left the next three days free before he would board another plane and fly to Toronto. Marta was going to be so surprised.
He called home before just before reaching the airport and played like all was going according to plan. The weariness in her voice was apparent. Marta had been begging him to slow down, to spend some time with her and the children. But she knew what was at stake, there were lost people that needed to hear about Jesus. And right now, he was the man that was getting it done.
Five months ago she cried for the first time as he prepared to leave. Since then it was every time. John knew it was tough on her but she is a strong woman and she understood the pressure that he was under.
Less than two hours later, the Man of God was being whisked toward home in the back seat of a Yellow Cab and counting the minutes until he would be in the arms of his wife. His legs bounced with anticipation as he willed the driver to go faster. What better surprise could he give his lovely bride? He couldn’t wait to tell her about his exploits over the last two weeks. She will be so thrilled.
The house was dark. She must have gone to bed early. He trudged past the closed garage and up to the front door. It was barely past nine, he thought he would at least hear the television.
He slipped his key into the lock and pushed his way into the very place where his heart abides. The first thing he noticed was the missing wedding portrait that should have been hanging in the entryway.
But it was only the beginning.
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