Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Canada (01/29/09)
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TITLE: FROM CANADA WITH LOVE | Previous Challenge Entry
By Emily Blakely
02/03/09 -
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What dawned on me at last was a character I had known from early childhood. God sometimes puts special people in our lives, or does He put us in theirs? God is so good and so great, He may just work it both ways.
Jenny was one such person in my life who played a huge part in shaping my character. She stands a giant in my Book of Life, right next to my parents. Now the word ‘giant’ conjures an image extremely tall, with a commanding presence. Jenny was really quite the opposite, not a robust figure, always soft spoken and mild tempered. It was her impact on my life that looms like a giant. She was loving, kind, and generous of her time and talents.
Of Canadian Indian heritage, Jenny had married a Caucasian man that physically fit the image of a giant, tall stature and with a booming voice. Together they made quite a contrast as a couple. He was named, Del. If I had a nickel for every time our family spoke the names, Del and Jenny, I’d be rich. Occasionally from my mouth it would twist and come out, “Jel and Denny” causing great laughter all around.
We met and became friends at a time when my family was struggling to get established after leaving Oklahoma and moving to the northwest. These friends always saw that the four of us children had presents at Christmas. One winter, Jenny took one of her coats and fashioned it into a new coat for me, using no pattern but the talent God had given her.
Our home was on a farm while Del and Jenny lived in the city. Visits back and forth were frequent. At five when I had my tonsils out, they took me in to recuperate, giving me what ice cream I wanted. I felt in such luxury and love in their care.
The love of Christ burned through every pore of Jenny. She was the epitome of a godly woman. A day with her began with a wonderful breakfast, Bible study and prayer. She sang, served in her church and gave me my first opportunity to attend a Vacation Bible School. Sadly, Del didn’t go to church, but Jenny was a good wife and I was keenly aware that she never gave up hope that her husband would be saved. Never, ever. I believe her prayers were answered in the waning days of Del’s life that must have brought her ecstatic joy.
For this week’s topic I toyed with writing riddles of Niagra Falls or an adventure in the Yukon, but remembering Jenny’s loving embrace and tender guidance has brought a flood of joy and tears. My prayer is of gratitude that Canada sent one of her prized possessions to America. To be such a recipient is more than I can express.
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