Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of “Don’t Try to Walk before You Can Crawl” (without using the actual phrase or literal example). (01/17/08)
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TITLE: Pocket Protectors | Previous Challenge Entry
By Virginia Gorg
01/24/08 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
“What are you working on?” Mitch asked Vicki.
“Just some homework. I didn’t realize going back to college would be so tough.”
Mitch peered over her shoulder. “Calculus? You’re terrible at math. You can barely add two plus two without a calculator.”
Vicki glared at Mitch. “I’m not that bad, and you know it.”
“Perhaps you should take a remedial math class first, then take this later.”
“Just because you’re mister engineer doesn’t mean you can get all superior with me. I’ll do just fine.” Vicki jumped out of the chair and stalked out of the den, leaving a bewildered Mitch staring after her. “And don’t bother talking to me – I’m not interested,” she shouted from the hallway.
Vicki headed to the kitchen and pulled the cleaning supplies from the shelf. She began vigorously scrubbing the kitchen floor. “I’m so stupid,” she muttered. “I can’t even do a simple equation, let alone calculus. This school stuff was sure a dumb idea.” As she continued muttering to herself, her sense of worthlessness grew. She could almost hear the voices whisper, “you’re right, you’ll never amount to anything. You’ll never achieve more than this mediocre existence. Give it up.”
Vicki’s tears slid down her cheeks and began to mingle with the floor cleaner as she scrubbed the same spot over and over. Dropping the sponge to the floor, she leaned back against the wall. “Why, Lord? Why am I so stupid? I’ll never amount to anything.”
In the distance of her heart, Vicki heard a small voice. “I love you. You are My treasure. Trust in Me and lean not on your own understanding.”
Vicki sat on the floor, eyes closed as she listened. She realized that she wasn’t trusting in God for her everyday existence, and she sure wasn’t trusting in Him for her math classes. “What would you have me do, Lord?” she whispered.
“Your mind tells you one thing, yet I tell you another. You must learn the basics before you can move on. Trust in me. I will be with you always.”
After what seemed like hours, but was actually only a few minutes, Vicki was calmed by her conversation with Jesus. On her knees now, she prayed in silent worship. Slowly rising to her feet, she knew what to do next.
“Mitch, I’m sorry I hurt you. I’m going to college tomorrow and changing my class to basic math. Once I’ve mastered that, I’ll move on.”
Two semesters and two math classes later, Vicki proudly showed Mitch her report card. “I got a B in Calculus. Isn’t that great?”
Mitch smiled. “Good job. You worked hard and look what you achieved.”
“I didn’t do it alone, though. You helped me understand calculus, and I learned something even more important.”
Mitch looked puzzled, “more important? What?”
“I learned that I must trust more in God and let Him guide me. I learned that I must take baby steps sometimes before I can achieve the end result.”
Mitch smiled, “That’s so true. God gives us strength.” He paused, then asked, “are you ready for an engineering class now?”
Laughter rang from Vicki’s mouth as she shook her head. “Oh, no, I don’t want to be an engineer. I’d look really silly with that plastic pocket protector full of pens.”
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There were some punctuation errors, especially in some of your dialogue. Just a bit of editing needed.
I like the realistic relationship portrayed here, and her sensitivity to God's voice.