Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Write something AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL (10/02/14)
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TITLE: Redeeming the Past | Previous Challenge Entry
By Linda Gage
10/09/14 -
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Spring break was just one day away. In the California desert, spring felt exactly like summer so it wasn’t the weather that I was looking forward to. My mom made a promise to take us to Disneyland! Getting through that last day of school was torture. I jumped off the school bus and ran all the way home. Disneyland ‘here we come!’ At twelve years old, it would be the happiest day of my life!
The table was set and meal prepared. Neither the spaghetti nor can sauce would do the trick, but ambiance would create sheer magic. Setting up my parents for a date night at my apartment was a great idea. They would eat, gaze into each other’s eyes, then everything would be better. Though separated for 6 of my 19 years, this dinner would reunite them. I knew I could make it happen!
Our yearly county fair had the usual rides, games and entertainment but it wasn’t the same for me that year. At 20 years old I knew there was more to life than working at Kmart and going to fairs. As I somberly roamed around, the Community College display booth caught my eye. Three years out of high school and already a college drop-out, I had no intentions. I reached for a pamphlet anyway. The man behind the booth struck-up a conversation and convinced me to schedule a counseling appointment. After one visit I decided to return to college and study Secondary Education. Relieved, I finally knew what I was ‘supposed to do!’
“Come, accept Jesus.” was the pastor’s plea to us sitting in the church pews.
He beckoned, saying that Jesus was waiting for my response. With eyes newly-opened and heart spurned in awe, I knelt at the altar and prayed to God, asking forgiveness and believing that Jesus is the only one who can save me from my sins. At 27, I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior, not realizing how He would change my entire life.
Jesus redeemed my present; every day I can choose to live for Him.
Jesus redeemed my future; I will spend eternity with Him in heaven.
Jesus redeemed my past; when I look back, I see things differently.
After 3 years of college, my career path diverted here and there. I questioned myself and stressed over whether or not I was doing what I am ‘supposed to do.’
Jesus has shown me that no matter what career I choose or whatever else I do, my life’s purpose is to worship him.
That evening in my apartment, before dinner was served, Mom and Dad had a terrible argument and went their separate ways. They never got back together. I felt guilty for my failure.
Jesus has shown me that I have no control over others’ lives. Telling of Jesus’ love and praying for others is the best thing I can do.
The first morning of spring break, severe itching woke me. Red spots appeared all over my body. It was chicken pox. We did not go to Disneyland. It was the saddest day of my life.
Jesus has shown me that joy with Him in my life is better than happiness in circumstances.
Christmas morning I tore open the paper on that ‘special’ box. It was NOT a Barbie house, but a toy box. A box was not what I wanted!
Jesus has shown me that HE is the ultimate gift of Christmas!
God sent His only Son, Jesus. He lived a perfect life, died on a cross for everyone’s sins and rose from the dead to offer the free gift of eternal life to all.
All I want and need is fulfilled in Jesus- He redeemed my present, future and past.
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