Shoveling Poo | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Shoveling Poo | Previous Challenge Entry
By Graham Insley
02/26/15
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

"I think there is a better way of doing this." Susan stared her husband in the eye.

"I don't really care. It's my job that's at stake. I think I should handle this myself, my way."

"It may be your job, Gary, but it's the future security of this family -- the rent, food for the kids, shoes for their feet. This isn't just about you."

"I've never let this family down. But I'm not going to be pushed around either. I'm a man. I have my pride. I don't have to put up with this and I'm not going to."

Forcefully grabbing his lunch box and swishing it from the table, Gary smashed the door open and slammed it shut as he headed for work -- and a showdown.

Twenty five minutes later, his anger received another boost.

"Can I see your license and registration please?"

"Why? What did I do?"

"Sir, didn't you see that other car you cut off as you came through that corner?"

"I had right of way!"

"Technically, yes. But that car had already entered the intersection when you raced across in front of it. You were driving dangerously and should take more care."

"Rubbish, officer. I had plenty of room and the right of way."

"Sir, I was only going to give you a warning and a little pep talk. But now, I'm issuing a ticket. I need your license and registration papers."

As the officer handed the ticket through the car window, he made his parting statement. "Sir, I see you are upset and angry over something. That is not a good condition in which to drive. I suggest you pause your journey and calm down before continuing."

Gary did sit in his car for a few moments, long enough to watch the police car get out of sight, but he didn't calm down. His anger smoldered more than ever as he decided to contest the ticket in court... he had right of way and he'd taken it.

Ten minutes later the car door near jumped off its hinges as he got out and stomped towards the shift office. With a fierce scowl and a set jaw, he clenched his teeth for battle.

"Tony! You and I need to talk. You can't put a trainee on my shift without talking to me first."

"Gary, you know full well that I can. I've warned you before; you can't keep refusing to do this. It's standard company policy and everyone else does it"

"It's not going to happen!" Gary raised the volume a notch and forced each word out.

"You are one of the best console operators in the company, and you know it, but that doesn't give you special protection. I'm not arguing about this with you again. If you don't like it, take it up with management."

Six weeks later, Susan looked at her husband and shook her head.

"Gary, we don't have the money to pay the fine. We barely have enough food for the kids and the rent is two weeks over due. Please, don't foul this up. It's a new job, a new beginning. For heaven's sake, put your pride on the shelf and let God help you today."

"I'll try, Susan. It won't be easy... but I'll try. I'm sorry I've fouled it up. But maybe now that I know Him, I can learn to trust Him." He smiled into the eyes that looked back at him with new found love.

Picking up his lunch box with gentle hands, the husband of the year placed a very gentle kiss on his wife's cheek. "I'll see you tonight. I'm looking forward to Pastor John's visit."

The walk to work took about twenty minutes, but the petrol they had was needed to get them to church on Sunday.

Gary entered the tack room to put on his overalls and wellingtons. His gloved hands grabbed the shovel and he headed down to the sewerage receiving drain -- for another day of shoveling poo.

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

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.