The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Life (06/15/06)
"Son, let me tell you about the facts of life", I began solemnly....

"No, No Honey!" my wife interruped. "Not THAT way! You've got to Lure him in with something tantalizing - like you do when you go fishing. But instead of wiggly worm bait, hook him with one of your tall tales."

"You want me to lie to my very own son?" I said with mock horror.

"No, Silly", she grinned, "I don't mean those kind of tall tales, I mean something clever like the old Birds and Bees routine. But do something soon, BEFORE he gets indoctrinated with the gutter version... Please!"

She was right, of course; but, this wasn't going to be easy. For one thing, I didn't know the Birds and Bees story myself - so how was I going to explain it to my son!

By the time MY father had gotten around to "hem-ing and haw-ing" around about the facts of Life and girls, I had already been clued in by the back alley boys...so I never did get to hear how that story went down.

For the next couple of days I pondered and agonized over the difficult task that I had been delegated to handle.

Food, clothing and shelter for our son was a "Given"; providing love, protection, discipline and assisting my wife in teaching our son right from wrong was a Given; but this Birds and Bees thing was a whole new ballgame...and I was going to need help - "Big Time" help!

Then a Light Bulb went "ON" in my head! God, the Creator of Life itself! Who better to ask for help on the Facts of Life than the One who created it!

That night I had a long chat with my life-long friend AND Expert on every aspect of Life.

"God, I've had no problems showing the lad the Robin's nest hidden up in the bough of the tree, or explaining the creepy, crawly caterpillar that You turn into a beautiful butterfly every Spring, or explaining to him that his pet frog was once a tiny tadpole in a mountain stream.

"And, Lord, we've had great fun, my son and I, tracking down Your Lady Bugs, Lightening Bugs and four-leaf clovers while walking through Your meadows and fields. We've even spent hours searching Your skies for a glimpse of Your colorful rainbow after a storm.

"Your nature has answered many of my little guy's questions, but I've had a few Biggies left over like...."Why is the sky blue, Daddy? What makes the wind howl?, or Where do the stars go when God turns On the Light?

"Ah yes, Lord, I admit having a tendency to stretch the imagination a bit with my far-fetched answers; but You know fathers, Lord, especially Earthling fathers who try to answer their "little ones" questions even though they haven't a clue, just to save face; I guess You might call it pride.

"Well, this time Lord, I'm really stumped. I've got to tell my son the Facts of Life and I'm stymied. I haven't a clue how Birds and Bees mate. What am I going to say? I've never been eloquent in my speech, and I'm slow of tongue, so what am I to do?"

Then I heard God's voice leap right out of the Bible: "Who gave man his mouth? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say".(Ex 4:10 NIV)

* * *

Sunday was Father's Day, so my son and I hiked up to Oak Mountain, laid out a picnic lunch at the top of the mountain, and under God's azure blue sky - this earthly father and son had a heart to heart chat about Life...with the dialogue scenes Produced and Directed under the watchful eye of our creator.

Later, as we walked down the other side of the mountain on our way home, I glanced up to heaven and said, "Happy Father's Day to You too, Father"...and with that my son reached up a small hand, connected with my larger one...and we gave a resounding High-Five to our Father in heaven.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 1554 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Andrew Curtis
06/23/06
Excellent portrayal. Very detailed. I loved the verse you were given by God too. I didn't wish Him a happy father's day. I guess maybe I should. Keep up the good writing.
Laura Wilkinson
06/23/06
I liked the humor and straight-forward manner in which you told your story. I just wish you'd have shared more clues as to what you really told your son. (we all need HELP!)
Jan Ackerson
06/23/06
Wow, very cute, and written with a pleasant, authentic voice. I love the "Happy Father's Day" to God at the end. If you re-visit this delightful story, consider un-capitalizing some of the words that have been capitalized for emphasis.

The "high five" at the end was a sweet word picture.
Kaylee Blake 
06/24/06
Cute and humorous. Very good descriptions. It made me smile.
Sherril Wendling
06/26/06
Thanks for hinting! It really does work. Otherwise I might not have found this one...It's really a precious story, well-told!

And yes, a little more--ahem!--detail about the dad's speech would have been quite entertaining and informative, but it ended beautifully.

Loved the wife/husband interchange, super opening. And the dad's prayer--so down-to-earth and humble! With a few strokes, you made me really enjoy your characters. Super entry!
Dr. Sharon Schuetz
06/26/06
Such profound wisdom in this story. I loved the simplicity with which this father went to his Father for answers. Good job.
Virginia Gorg
06/26/06
I like the weaving of this story - well done and just the right amount of humor and seriousness.
George Parler 
06/26/06
A very timely piece when considering how few fathers take the time and energy to instill values into their children that God would be pleased and glorified by. Very nice and pleasant read. Thank you for sharing this.
dub W
06/27/06
I love the conversations with the Lord. A minor note, try to lose the tags "he said," etc. and probably no need for explanation marks.
Trina Courtenay
06/27/06
The birds and the bees...oh how I want to run and hide from this topic. Thank-you for reminding me that if I ask Him to direct my tongue He will.

Some typos, 3rd last para your period is outside of the quote and 2nd last para creator should be Creator. (I see you've done this throughout your entry so this must be a typo.)

Blessings!
Trina<><