Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Step(s) (11/29/12)
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TITLE: Steps and Staircases | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mary Annthipie Bane
12/03/12 -
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Daily on my long drive from work I typically replay the events of the day, rewind the transcript in my mind and have been known to arrive home without really having taken in or appreciated my scenery or surroundings. As if on autopilot, I go through the motions of moving from one point to another and indulge my thoughts on self-centered matters and concerns. This trip however was different. I couldn’t help but notice the sunset casting rays of light that filtered through the clouds in shades of pink, orange and yellow. A distraction to be sure since it was breathtaking to look upon. Although weary from another work day I was uplifted by the sight of brilliant illumination as the clouds seemed to form steps in the sky.
The irony of the view was not lost on me as I was just wondering how many steps I had taken in my tiresome day. It felt so long since my morning coffee. This particular day had a way of draining my spirit leaving me feeling worn, empty and exhausted. Now rather than being focused on myself, my thoughts were drawn to God and the wondrous sight in the sky declaring His glory. I was reminded of the ladder to the sky that Jacob had observed so long ago and envisioned angels taking their steps as well. The thought lightened my burden and I found myself smiling as I imagined that angels must be ascending and descending upon this staircase of light and cloud. God’s promise of support was there for Jacob then as it is here for me now. It was a heavenly reminder that I have not been forsaken. I allowed God’s grace to permeate my being.
Steps, how many steps have I taken throughout my day, throughout my life, I wondered. Upon arriving home I faced the task of climbing the twelve peanut stone steps from the street to my house. These were the steps to the eighty year old house that my grandfather had built; again, so long ago. I have walked the physical steps that my grandfather had taken. I have walked the spiritual steps of Jacob. I have lived in this home for twelve years. It is with twelve steps, twelve years and three teenaged sons who were little boys when we took these steps together for the first time. Life has moved on as I continue to step towards my goals.
I am reminded today, as I was then that my life has been a collection of steps. Some have been heavy laden, some have humbled me and some have redeemed. I took my first steps of faith as a young child in a Sunday school class while learning that I had a friend in Jesus. I took steps down the aisle as I walked towards the man I was about to marry. I learned about the steps that Jesus had taken while carrying His cross on the way to Calvary. I rejoice at the steps Christ has taken out of the tomb at His glorious resurrection. My steps have taken me to consider the spiritual path down the Romans Road where the Apostle Paul once walked and where my heart now follows. I am reminded also that I am ever thankful for the steps I had taken when I decided to follow Jesus; steps toward salvation with no turning back.
Atop the last peanut stone step I sat down to watch the last rays of the sun and to marvel at the majesty of our creator who blessed my soul with such a beautiful sight. The steps of the day fade away as the light turns to dusk. I pictured for one last time the angels on high, though unseen, I know to be present and I prepare to walk my last steps of the day home again, stepping along with Jesus who walks beside me.
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I just wanted to share a thought or two with you. This line here: This trip however was different.
would have been a perfect first sentence as the mystery would grab the reader immediately. Also if you can turn it into an active sentence instead of a passive one, you can paint more of a picture for the reader. This is just a quick example to show you what I mean: As I drove home from work, chills ran down my back; something differed this trip from all of the others.
Though it's not a perfect example, I hope you can see how it still creates a sense of mystery and removed the passive verb was. (It's not always easy to do that, I know)
After your first paragraph that almost everyone could relate to, you did a divine job of sharing how this experience was similar to the scriptures. You did a grand job of bring in the topic in a fresh and creative way. This was a delight to read. Congratulations for ranking 6th in level three!