Pushing Forward | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Pushing Forward | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ken Grant
01/13/16
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Yvonne Mendez made the final turn at the curb and pressed forward toward the finish line. She glanced quickly over at her friend Christine who gave her a wry smile before picking up her pace and blowing easily past a startled Yvonne.

"You will not beat me today!"

As Yvonne shouted the words she began to run with a ferocity mixed with determination. Staring ahead it appeared that Christine's sneakers were not even touching the pavement. Amazingly Yvonne found herself catching up as pain surged through her. The pain was telling her to quit, but she refused. Unconsciously she was bursting through the barrier that had kept her back for so long. She pushed on as sweat dripped off of her forehead and down her face and neck. Yvonne felt as though her heart was about to burst out of her chest, but she kept pushing herself forward. It was all coming together. She knew she could do this. With one last burst she passed Christine and raised her arms in a declaration of victory.

"I did it."

The words echoed through the neighborhood as Yvonne slowed to a stop. She bent over as her lungs exploded in their desire for more oxygen. Her head was swimming and her body convulsed, but pain had never felt so good. She was feeling true satisfaction. She had accomplished her goal.

"Great job Yvonne."

Yvonne turned around at the sound of her friend's voice. Christine was standing with a broad smile on her face. Yvonne took a couple steps closer. The pain in her legs was still there, but it was slowly receding.

"You don't seem very tired."

"I am. My body is just able to recover faster than yours. It will come."

"Did you let me win?"

"I would never do that."

"Why not?"

"I want you to earn it. I want you to do more than you think you can."

"I felt that today."

"Feels good doesn't it?"

"Very."

"See you tomorrow?"

"Wouldn't miss it."

The two friends embraced and then released. Each had a life to live. Yvonne watched Christine walk toward her home before heading for her own. The satisfaction of a good, hard run still coursed through her bones. As she walked the tiredness gave way to confidence. She was turning her body into a finely-tuned machine and it felt very good. She opened her front door slowly, stepped inside, and carefully closed the door as quietly as she could.

"Hello."

Her soft voice met a still response. The house had yet to awaken with all its chaos. It was the calm that preceded an intense storm. All the demands of the day rushed upon her at once and it shook her physically and emotionally. All that confidence was quickly draining away. As she carefully made her way into the living room something in the far corner caught her eye.

"It's been a while."

She sat in the old chair and looked down at the weathered black book next to a spiral bound notebook and a pen. Everything was laid out the way she had left it. She opened to her favorite psalm and read the rich words that gave life to her soul. A different strength grew up inside. She replaced the book and closed her eyes.

"Lord it has been too long. I need you."

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