A Walk Worth Taking | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: A Walk Worth Taking | Previous Challenge Entry
By Bonnie Kronberger
03/11/20
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The chatter of friends faded into quietness as Orpha left the well and headed home. Tired and hot, she struggled with the heavy water jar. The sun was hidden behind a thick layer of gray clouds and she was delighted when she felt a bit of their fullness being released to the earth. Light drops of water descended from the sky as she lifted her face to the mist, bringing memories of her youth, when the heavens sent down a refreshing drizzle, restoring hope and faith.

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Walk, walk, walk! Day after day, the same trudging forward, seemingly without purpose. Orpha remembered hearing the stories of Moses leading the thousands of Israelites to the Promised land. But he died. Her parents made it sound like they were still hoping to arrive there.

Her mind carried on conversations as she walked mile after mile. “I wish I had a place to call home. We don’t stay put. We’re alway moving. Why?” There were people around but they moved so frequently that lasting friendships were impossible. Families stayed together, but neighboring tents were never the same.

She changed from a girl to a woman many days past, and such a change stirred up imaginings of friendships and new beginnings. Orpha loved her brothers and sisters, but they could be annoying and demanding. Being the oldest, her mother required her to care for the younger children. Several brothers were closer to her age but they offered no help or comfort for a lonely girl.

“Mother,” Orpha whined. “I am so unhappy. I am lonely for friends. I will soon be old enough to marry but there is no one I know and no place to be. I have nothing to do but walk and care for the children. There is no pleasure in meals, no where to play—sometimes, no water to drink.”

A tear slipped down her face. She brushed it away impatiently, knowing the tear changed nothing.

“Daughter, we must have faith. God is leading us to the Promised Land. We must be patient as we wait for His will to be done. Then you will have a place to call home and a chance to build friendships. Trust in God, my sweet one.” Mother gently stroked Orpha’s hair before sending her off to gather the children.

A young man ran past, but paused when he saw Orpha. For a moment they looked at each other, then Orpha tucked her head and turned away. She felt heat cover her face. She wasn’t sure she liked this feeling. Even so, she wondered what it would be like to be friends with him. Her heart knew a longing for someone to share her thoughts with, yet she had no hope that life would ever be different. Living as a traveler was all she knew.

Weeks continued as they traveled forward. She put one foot in front of the other, fighting off despair, wondering if her existence would ever have a purpose. She prayed to God, trying to trust His ways. “Lord, I know your ways are good. Forgive me for my despair. Plant a seed of hope in my heart.” She stood up straighter, walking firmly, strengthened as she surrendered her desires to God.

Gray clouds became their companion for several days, bringing some relief from the searing sun, yet the dreary overcast of grayness brought a weariness to many. Orpha’s attention was caught by a change in the cadence of their walk and the sound of voices passing down a message. “Today we cross over into the Promised Land.” Roaring cheers could be heard up and down the miles of Israelites. Walking ceased. Some were standing in shock, others were hugging and jumping for joy. Orpha moved aside, finding a spot away from the others. Was it true? Was God’s promise happening? She raised her face to the heavens, to give thanks. A cooling mist released from the clouds, dampening her face. Orpha knew this was God’s gift of renewal to her heart---the cool cleansing of returning hope. She had confidence God had brought her to this land for a future.

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Orpha’s tired old body felt young again at the memory of this turning point in her life. God had been faithful to His promise and she experienced friendships and a family of her own. Picking up her water jug, it seemed lighter. With a smile, she headed home, to the place of her dreams, as a light drizzle lingered.

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