Winter Time | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Winter Time | Previous Challenge Entry
By Wanda Draus
06/16/16
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“Oh my goodness, Cassie!” Sara squealed as she ripped open the letter on the counter. Grabbing her best friend she twirled her around in circles, with bouts of laughter, singing, “YES!”

The two girls had known each other since first grade and now here they were going to the same Christian college they had talked about all through high school. Cassie had received her letter weeks ago, leaving Sara a little concerned that she would actually get accepted.

Their plan was to finish college and then apply to a mission organization and become the hands and feet of Christ, all over the world.

They dreamed of helping villages and communities through teaching and education. Excited to help plant churches and hospitals; transforming lives for the His glory.

Sara’s heart burned with a readiness but knew she and Cassie had to get the training they needed to provide their very best.
Clutching the letter to her chest, Sara took a deep breath. She and Cassie had a lot of planning to do. Everything was on hold waiting for Sara’s letter that would either squash their dreams or propel them to heights unknown.

In the midst of Sara’s celebration she didn’t realize that Cassie was extremely quiet and not as joyous.

“Time for tea and some serious planning, my friend,” announced Sara. The whistle from the teapot signaled the water was ready. Sara grabbed her laptop, while Cassie grabbed the teacups and headed for the patio.

The sun was beginning to slowly set behind the outstretched branches of the old Maple tree in Sara’s backyard. Cassie pulled her sweater around her, sipping her hot tea, eased into one of the chairs.

Sara unaware of the chill or anything else but the task at hand booted up her laptop to explore what classes her and Cassie would be taking.

“There are several options here,” said Sara, swinging the laptop so Cassie could have a better look. It was then Sara noticed Cassie was not engaged.

“Cassie, what is wrong?” Sara inquired.

Cassie dabbing her eyes with her tissue, could barely speak. “Sara, I don’t know where to begin.”

Startled, Sara slowly closed the laptop. “Begin right where you are now. Whatever is going on in your life,” Sara said.

Shaking her head, Cassie finally came out with it, “I don’t think I want this for my life anymore.” Sara nervously picked up her tea and listened.

“I wish I could be as convinced as you Sara, we are doing what Christ wants us to do but somewhere along the way, my faith has become numb. The excitement I once felt for the scripture has fizzled. Sadly, I open my bible and it’s just words on a page. I miss the hunger and joy I once had reading God’s word.”

Sara didn’t realize her friend was struggling. She was so wrapped up in receiving the letter, she failed to see any glint of confusion in her friend.

The wind was picking up and the rustling leaves help drown out the silence between the two girls.

Brushing Cassie’s hair from her eyes, Sara gently replied, “Cassie, it’s really ok. My mom, told me once that we all go through, what she refers to as ‘winter time’ on our spiritual journey.”

“It’s a time when we can feel far away from God. Our hearts become frozen and numb. The mountaintop experience we love can quickly lead to a valley but make no mistake God is still there,” whispered Sara.

Sara hugging her friend, continued, “I think during this ‘winter time’ you wait on God. Continue to pray even though you feel your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling. Continue to go to church and sing the songs even though your heart may not be in it. Most of all continue to read God’s word, perhaps in a different way. Instead of reading through the scriptures, pick a person like, David or Paul, and read about their blessings and their struggles and the impact God had on their lives. Let it breathe new life into your soul.”

Chilled, Sara began to feel the cool night air. Gathering some wood from the stack, she lit a fire in the pit.

Cassie was feeling better just to be able to talk with her best friend and so thankful for not being judged but loved.

Sara wrapped in a blanket, stoked the fire. Taking Cassie’s hands, the two girls lowered their heads and together prayed for an early spring.

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