Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Prosperity (05/11/06)
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TITLE: In God's Own Time | Previous Challenge Entry
By Valora Otis
05/18/06 -
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“Now, that was a lovely dinner,” she said out loud. “I didn’t even wash a dish!” Ana O’ Flannery tried to smile at that, but dishes weren’t her worst enemy. It was the gnawing hunger, the growling companion chewing at her side.
Ana arrived at home exhausted from the walk, but lifted her freckled face to catch the last bit of sun. She tried to be cheerful despite the sharp angles that her youthful curves had taken.
Her husband Connor was leaning up against the doorjamb of their cottage. His green eyes crinkled as his mouth curved into that beautiful smile she loved. He opened his arms then she melted into him. Seeing the sadness in his eyes, she sobered.
“Connor, they wouldn’t give me any scraps at the Manor kitchen today. I haven’t a smidge to serve you for your supper. Do ya still love me?” Tilting her head she smiled up at him. Her dimples never failed to melt his heart.
“It’s no fault of yours that we haven’t a farthing to our names Ana, my dear. The potatoes will flourish soon, and we’ll never want for anything again. All will be well in God’s own time, my love.” He guided her into the cottage.
“It could be worse, Connor.” She set her basket on the table. “We could have the wee one to care for, it’s only us now. We’ll get by just fine.” The smile began to fade as she felt her heart tighten with the thought of her babe, so recently taken.
“Oh, Ana, we’ll have another soon to fill yer heart, I promise. Just hang on for a while, the Lord will provide a way for our hearts’ desires, when He deems it to be the right time. All is well and right for now. Keep a prayer in yer heart my love. You know right there,” he said pointing to her heart, “that God is good and ever mindful of our prayers.” He kissed her firmly on the lips.
“Hate to run off on ya, gal, but there’s graves to be dug in the village. Squire catches me dallying around and I’m sure to be roasted on that great spit at the Manor House!” With a hearty laugh, he kissed her again, and headed out the front door.
Ana watched lovingly at Connor whistling a happy little tune as he walked down the lane, shovel over his shoulder. The famine had taken lives and broken souls. Connor had unwavering faith in the Lord, giving him strength while feeding her optimism by the bushel. She believed the Lord’s word that He would provide a way. She turned from the door to the well-worn family Bible resting on a chair. The book was their last cherished possession. She felt herself drawn to its pages.
“Now, where was that verse the Parson quoted last Sabbath day? Oh! Here it is, Ecclesiastes 7:14. ‘In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.’ ” She relaxed back into the chair.
They had prospered in the past, living their lives according to the Holy Scriptures. Now adversity had come their way. The famine had taken little Liam to the grave. How her heart ached to hold Liam once again. Despite her pain, she could feel that God had been there, holding them up, comforting them, helping them find joy each day. Their abundance had come from placing God first in their lives. Ana’s heart swelled in her chest, feeling prosperous, even during the famine. She took fresh courage in the word of God.
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KJV Ecclesiastes 7:14
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