Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Christmas Lights (10/30/08)
-
TITLE: Lessons Learned | Previous Challenge Entry
By cindy yarger
11/05/08 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
“It won’t light Mama. It isn’t going to be pretty.” Kasiy sighed deeply.
I had learned years ago that this kind of disappointment was never abated with words of reassurance. Kasiy could not understand that possibilities exist. If she could experience it in her senses, it was fact, otherwise, it was conjecture - and yours at that, never hers.
I went to Kasiy and stroked her hair. It was a gesture that I was in full sympathy that a bulb was out and we would not have pretty lights. Inwardly, I sighed deeply. It was too late, and I too tired to go out for a replacement bulb. The lights would have to wait.
I thought of many Christmases past and smiled. The lights were always an integral part, providing a sense of warm, intimate snuggling. I loved to just sit by them and be carried into there ambience. Maybe this was a bit of me that Kasiy had inherited. Her disappointment was rubbing off on me. One element of myself that I longed to pass on, but could not, was hope. Again an inward sigh.
Ours was not a one sided relationship. In reality, I often thought Kasiy gave me much more than I ever gave her but I knew that wasn’t true. Sometimes we are blinded by what it is that we in fact are giving. I couldn’t get Kasiy to receive what I so longed to give her and if I let it, that fact alone could negate all of my other giving.
Enough…I knew and know that a replacement bulb could be found. We could yet have lights and beauty. I could sit another Christmas season in bliss. All could be well again.
Morning came, and with it a trip to the store. I didn’t even try to explain to Kasiy what the little packet of bulbs was for. Once we were home she watched me unpack it. I let her screw it in. She sat back to watch as I plugged the lights in.
“Look Mama, we have lights! They’re beautiful.” Kasiy was all delight.
I smiled, and this time she came to me. As I had shared empathy, she now shared wonderment. I think it was an even trade.
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.
