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 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Easter (05/30/05)
Life as a writer can be viewed as curious by many. Lost in fictional characters, deep thinking and quiet days, makes us, to the casual observer, melancholy and isolated. Most of my family and friends are out there in the real world, on the outside; lives of details and noise.

My husband says, "You think too much." It's true. My eccentric ways can be annoying. In the middle of a conversation a stray thought takes flight, traveling an unexplored path to a destination unknown. I blurt out a nonsensical remark.

"Where are you? Weren't we just talking about Lauren's band recital?" my husband asks.

How do I explain? This chaotic mind is derailed at the slightest nudge. Forgotten missions left behind include open cupboard doors, light switches left in the "on" position, delayed meals, and on and on.

Today, this rambling mind is going out. My mother-in-law is in last stages of real alzheimers, not the type my family accuses me of having.

My brother is in the last stages of a neurological disease that began in his toes and has continued in upward motion until it now affects his speech and swallowing.

I imagine the two of them joined, mind and body, to make one whole human being.

So today is a day for the real world. Today is my day for the nursing homes.

My body is restless, another consequence of the writer's life. I go for a long walk and think about the day. As I return home, I drop to my knees in helplessness and hopelessness, wondering what to say to them. How can I help? How can we cope?

There are no answers and so I leave the questions with the One of my heart, Jesus. As I repeat His name over and over in praise, He answers my hopelessness with a resurrected heart. Body, mind and spirit are rejuvenated. I move out into the world.

I read Scripture verses to my mother-in-law and suddenly she says, "You are so beautiful." It brings tears to my eyes. Other days, most days, she is filled with unrest and anxiety. I don't believe she knows who I am, but I believe the Holy Spirit within both of us connects. A moment to treasure from one rambling mind to another.

As I rub the good hand of my brother on his frozen and rigid body, I remember his born again moment several years ago. He has a peace and calm and humor about him not found in most of us. He is content. I marvel at the wonder and awe of this God of ours who brings such a miracle. And these restless bodies connect. I am grateful.

And through His Sprit I am redeemed and resurrected. And so are they. So are they.

The resurrected heart first bears the cross with our Savior. We will never suffer as He did for us. He knows the way through all of the suffering we endure in this short life. Rambling minds, both real and imagined, restless bodies aching for relief and movement, become His eternally. One day with open minds and healed bodies we will see clearly. His Easter becomes ours now and forever.


However, as it is written, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 1404 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Helga Doermer
06/07/05
I can relate to your description of the life of a writer. : ) The connected moment with your mother-in-law brought back memories of my time of ministry with Alzheimer's. During that time, I discovered there is another way of communication that is beyond words.
Suzanne R
06/07/05
You skillfully pulled together different parts of our decaying bodies and minds, but gave us hope of the resurrected heart - well done!
Sandra Petersen
06/08/05
This was written with such obvious love! I really liked this, especially the words about your mother-in-law and your brother somehow joined as one, each supplying what the other lacked. Just like we as believers are to be in the Body of Christ. Beautiful word pictures! Well done!
Sally Hanan
06/08/05
Beautiful, esp. this line: 'I imagine the two of them joined, mind and body, to make one whole human being.' We must be mind sisters in the way our mind works:)
Anthony Tophoney
06/08/05
My wife has read a few of the pieces this week and this is her favorite. (including mine, much to my chagrin) She wants know if she can borrow the title for my epitaph :) Very touching and well written piece! Recommended reading for writers and their spouses alike.
dub W
06/09/05
Is this a journal entry or a blog? So, true throughout...the writer's life. Good message included.
Shari Armstrong 
06/09/05
You had me smiling in self-recogintion, I tend to jump tracks quite often. But I could connect with the heartache of seeing loved ones having health problems. Wonderfully written.
Amy Michelle Wiley 
06/09/05
I appreciated this article. Well written with a very "real" feeling to it.
Val Clark
06/11/05
I too can identify with the fly away thoughts and unfinished tasks and the solitude that seem to attend my life as a writer. Well described. So true that there are often no answers to life's deep issues. A polished piece of journalling.
Delores Baber
06/12/05
Great piece! You drew me in with your description of your writer's spirit. I knew we were kindred spirits. Your approach reminding me of the painted Norman Rockwell did of himself painting himself. You wrote of how your mind works and it becomes the story. Very gifted.
LINDA GERMAIN 
06/13/05
Very well done. Reminds me that even though our bodies and minds may falter, our SPIRITS never get old!