Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Minute(s) (as in time) (03/03/11)
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TITLE: Minutes Tick Away | Previous Challenge Entry
By Fern Brown
03/10/11 -
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Mary rolled over and looked at the alarm clock. 'It's only 4:30,’ she groaned inwardly, eyes wide open in the dark bedroom. 'Maybe if I lie here I'll go back to sleep.' She watched the clock as seconds ticked away. Though she longed for a few more minutes of sleep, it didn't come. Alan breathed quietly and slept peacefully. Careful not to wake him, she slipped out of bed, put on her footies and robe and headed for the office.
‘Today is jam-packed and tomorrow is no different. How will I get everything done?’ Her mind was too dull to think constructively.
She could almost here her mother's voice saying, 'One thing at a time, Dear. Concentrate on one thing at a time.'
'It's too early to concentrate. Maybe a cup of strong, hot coffee will help."
Tiptoeing back to the office with a steaming cup of coffee, she eyed the clock on her computer. She had been up thirty minutes already and achieved nothing. "I hope this is not an indication of how productive I'll be, dear Lord. Please don't let me muddle through this whole day. There's so much to do, I don't know where to start."
His gentle voice whispered to her in the silence of the early morning, saying, "Tell me about it, precious Child."
"Okay." For the next several minutes she poured out her heart to the Lord. "The big thing is that I am so tired I can hardly hold my aching head up. I need to finish the laundry, iron, clean the house, prepare for the ladies’ Bible study this afternoon, fix hubby's breakfast, pack his lunch, and start packing for our vacation. I have to shop for a few things we need for the trip. If only this headache would go away, that would be a big blessing, Lord."
“Trust me with your minutes. I will help you.”
"First things first." Breakfast was on the table and lunch was packed by the time she heard the alarm go off. Dressed and fully awake she greeted her husband with a good morning kiss and sweet smile.
Mary waved from the big bow window in the dining room as Alan drove off to work. Dumping her half-finished coffee in the sink, she sized up her duties and the time it would take to do them. Singing and talking to the Lord energized her as she completed each chore, amazed at how things fell into place.
She kept an eye on the time, trying to beat the clock with each new endeavor. The phone rang, interrupting her accomplishments. "Mary, do you have a few minutes? I desperately need some help.”
Mary gazed at the few unfinished tasks, knowing she still had to review for the Bible study. This call would cut into her time, but her friend needed her. "Yes, Suzy, I have a few minutes. You sound troubled. What is wrong?"
“I fell down the porch steps and I’m afraid I broke my foot. Can you drive me to the emergency room?” The pain she felt obstructed her husky voice. “I know you have Bible Study today, but it will take my husband a half hour to get here. He’ll meet us at the hospital so you won’t need to stay with me.”
“Certainly. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” On the way to help Suzy, she reflected on her morning. “Thank you Father, for all you allowed me to complete before this crisis occurred. I should still have time to finish all my responsibilities by the end of the day, and it’s because of your grace.”
She heard God’s tender voice reply, “It’s not about how many things you accomplish in a day, Mary. It’s about using your minutes to obey me no matter how or where I lead you and no matter how you feel.”
Proverbs 3:5, 6 KJV Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
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