Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Art (01/18/07)
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TITLE: A Paper Clip Opened the Door | Previous Challenge Entry
By Joanne Sher
01/21/07 -
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She had stopped listening ten minutes ago to the soliloquy Dr. Langdon V. Stormfeather was giving at the front of the lecture hall. A ticking metronome would have been more interesting to her.
Beats me why I need to take this silly history class. I’m a sculptor; an artist. Why am I even in college?
Picking up the paper clip again, she wiped off the dirt, then worked to straighten its curves. She smiled with satisfaction at the straight metal line she had created. Her fingers then began intricately working the metal, bending it this way and that, until the clip was transformed into the likeness of a flower. Satisfied, Leah opened her purse and slid her newest work of art into an inside pocket.
Lord, I know how You have gifted me. I could create works of art just for You over and over. But why do You want me to go to college first – to take these classes I will likely never use and that bore me to tears? I don’t understand. Please clarify in some special way that You want me here, Lord. I’m about ready to quit!
Glancing at her watch, Leah let out a sigh of relief. Just a few minutes of class remained. She returned her attention to Dr. Stormfeather, knowing he would announce their homework assignment shortly.
As usual, the professor closed his lecture with an assignment to read a couple chapters in their required text and write out the main points in outline form. Leah jotted down the assignment in her notebook, then picked up her books and filed out into the hallway with the rest of the students.
Responding to her rumbling stomach, Leah strolled toward the university’s student center. She had a good hour until her fundamentals of drawing class, giving her plenty of time to grab a bite for lunch.
Leah wiggled her way through the packed dining area to the cafeteria, where she purchased a tuna sandwich, a bag of chips, and a drink. Scanning the room, she found a small, unoccupied table where she made herself comfortable and took out her sketch pad and pencil.
Looking at the tables around her, Leah noticed a young woman cradling a small baby in her arms. Smiling, the young artist began sketching the pair as she munched on her sandwich.
“Is this seat taken?”
Leah glanced to her right to see a redhead, about her age, addressing her. The student looked vaguely familiar, but Leah couldn’t recall where she’d seen her before.
“Nope. Have a seat!”
The woman sat down, glancing at Leah’s sketch pad.
“That’s a beautiful drawing you’re making. I love the soft lines.”
“Thanks.”
“I love that little doodad you made in Stormfeather’s class this morning, too!”
Leah looked up, surprised.
“I’m Stacey, by the way. I was sitting next to you in class today. Your little project was far more interesting than he was.”
Giggling, Leah opened her purse and fished out the paper clip creation, placing it in front of Stacey.
“For me?” Stacey picked up the flower and examined it. “You know, you are quite good. I wish I could make stuff like that!”
Leah blushed. “Thanks. It’s really a God-given talent.”
“Well, however you got it, you’ve definitely got it. I’m not much of a God-person myself, but I might reconsider if He’d give me a gift like yours!”
Leah took a deep breath and prayed silently.
Lord, give me the words to say; and thank You for showing me why You want me here.
“That’s definitely not the best gift God has given me, Stacey. Would you mind if I told you about my favorite one?”
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This was an enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing.
I could really relate to your main character and I love the way it turned out in the end. Great job! I hope this places.
Engaging and flowing with great atmosphere, thought, dialogue and sooo believable. Really good work!
Interesting lead-in to a witnessing opportunity. I guess you never know who's watching, do you? Loved the last paragraph about 'the best gift.'
As an educator, my hackles raised just slightly with the main character wondering what she was doing in college when she could be using her art. I was sad that she didn't realize that the opportunity to learn is an amazing gift in its own right, but I got over it ;-).
You pulled the whole piece together beautifully at the end.
Thank you for commenting on my writing, too. I appreciate you muchly!