Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: LOCKED (10/27/22)
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TITLE: Slim Jim | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jennifer Percell
11/03/22 -
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Luminaries lit the entire field. As I walked, I looked for Dad's, for mine, for Cindy's. Two years out from my battle with breast cancer I was determined to finish the laps we had pledged to raise funds and honor other survivors and those still fighting. It was nearly dark. Each step took more effort. My recovery was going very well, but the nurse who told me not to expect normal energy for at least two years was the most realistic one.
My focus was on finishing the lap, a cup of hot chocolate and a place to sit, I desperately needed a place to sit.
“You can do this; you have come so far.” Keith was always my cheer leader. I know many of the people named on the bags did not have support. I did not take for granted the ride home, great food and tender care I was looking forward to.
“Don't forget the yard chairs, can I have that sweater?” Finally, it is time to go home.
The van, parked on the far side of the field, would finally mean rest! Cancer fatigue gave tired a whole new meaning.
I reached for the door handle, and it snapped back in my hand. Locked. I leaned on the door and caught the glimmer of my pink ribbon blingy key chain. On the seat. Keith found me, face to the window, staring at those keys.
“Oh honey.” His hug was comforting and once again, I was grateful he was not the kind to yell about stupid mistakes. I must have dropped the keys when I had changed my shoes before the walk. Careless! Already exhausted, I felt the tears breaking through. How would we ever get that door open?
Someone set up a chair for me, another called a locksmith friend. The field was nearly empty now but those who were helping us stayed close. As I sat staring at the locked door that was a barricade to all I needed, time moved very slowly. Finally, an old pickup, a cheerful locksmith armed with a handy 'slim jim' tool and the lock lost all of its power. The barrier had been torn down and my comfort and rest were restored.
Many months later I stood on the side of the van seat, reaching for the rope to tie our Christmas tree to the roof of that van. As I fed the rope through the luggage rack my hand dislodged a metal stick. I was shocked to find the locksmith's slim jim, obviously left there months ago by our rescuer. We didn't know how to contact him, his name forgotten, we stored the slim jim in the garage and laughed about how we didn't even know we had a 'get out of jail free' card all along.
Peter held in King Herod's prison was bound by chains and locked to his guards. He was kept behind two more sets of guards and an iron gate. How hopelessly trapped he must have felt. I can't imagine the fear and isolation he would have experienced. He had no hope of freedom.
How many locks do you long to open today? Do you, like Peter feel so bound that you don't even realize when God breaks down the barriers? As angels removed his chains and led him out of the deep prison walls, Peter thought he might be dreaming. By the time he got to the house where his friends were gathered Peter understood that God had sent an angel to rescue him.
Doors, gates, locks, walls surround us all the time. Mentally, physically, spiritually we are bound by many barriers. Not a single one of those barriers can hold our God back. Just as He provided all Peter needed to be free, He stands ready to break down all the locks, real or imagined, that keep us bound and helpless.
That 'slim jim' on the top of our van is the perfect representation of how God rescues us. His perfect solution to our need always ready and waiting, even when we have forgotten He is there. No matter how impossible our bondage, He has already prepared our way through. His freedom is never out of reach if we only ask, the door will be opened.
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