Christian Fiction: Thy First Love...

Looking up at the sky, she wondered for the umpteenth time what could have gone wrong in their relationship. Hard as she thought, she could find no reason for the chasm between them. Thinking out loud, she sighed, "Where have I gone wrong?

The evening breeze calmed the perspiring beads on her face but not the turmoil within. Sitting on a fancy chair in the park, she let her mind wander, trying to figure out a solution to the burgeoning problem. 

She remembered how close they had once been—delighting in each other's company. She recalled the long talks, the sweet promises and the blueprints they had drawn for their future together. She loved hearing his warm words, loved his thoughtfulness in the gifts he gave her. Now they barely spoke.

"What could be the problem?" she again asked herself. Gazing at a flock of ascending birds, she leaned on the armrest as other memories slowly began to make their way into her burdened mind.

She recalled how elated she had felt the day she got her dream job. A chief editor at a leading publishing firm. She had accepted the offer before discussing it with him. There really was no need, she had thought. Of course, he'd be happy for her. Barely a month later, a well known magazine practically begged her to be part of its team of writers. A passionate writer herself, she couldn't say no.

Sitting up to properly zip her cardigan, she glanced at the skies. The breeze blew a bit colder. It would probably rain tonight. She had come to the park to find some peace but it seemed to elude her. She let her gaze sweep across the park once more. It was breathtaking with its numerous ornamental plants and tall trees. People walked leisurely, most in twos, among the trees. Others lounged on picnic rugs, discussing in the warm light of the already setting sun as they let their food digest.

Read: 5 Lessons from the life of Nabal

Her eyes fell on a particular group. They had accosted her when she got to park a couple of hours ago. They wore the same t-shirts and spread around the park sharing tracts and speaking to anyone who cared to listen to them. She had received a tract but declined the request for a conversation, explaining that she was a believer. Remembering the queer look on the young man's face as he insisted on giving her another tract different from the considerable stack in his hands, she fished it out of her bag. 

Intending only to skim through out of dull curiosity, she suddenly stiffened as she read and reread the introductory Bible verses. Boldly printed at the top were the words "Your First Love". Reading the italic verses again, she breathed out as realisation dawned. The scales had finally fallen off her eyes. "No wonder," she exclaimed softly as she eagerly read the rest of the content.

"No wonder," she said again. Her loving relationship with the Lord had turned sour not long after she got her job. Responsibilities and deadlines here and there threatened to drown her as she struggled to render excellent service. The magazine writing had made her quite famous but it heavily drained her. Gone was her devotion to the Lord. Gone too was their sweet fellowship. It had been replaced by board meetings and conferences. 

How she missed hearing his words and the feeling of safety and contentment when with him. She could let down her guard and unburden her worries on his ready shoulders. Now she carried her problems alone wherever she went, which was why this vacation didn't feel like one. After eight months of sterling service, she had been rewarded with a two-week all-expenses-paid trip to Canada. She cringed at the thought of how much her spiritual life had suffered in just eight months. It was a wonder that she even uttered the perfunctory prayers she did each morning. 

She looked at the verses again. Revelations 2:4-5. Slowly breathing in, she called out to the only One who would never give up on her. Despite the long months of being apart she had felt His goodness. Pleading for mercy, she knelt down on the grass, sparing no thought for the bewildered faces of passersby. She prayed long, seeking to be free of everything that had encumbered her walk with the Lord. 

Opening her eyes much later, she felt the drops on her face. The rain had chosen to fall afterall. Zipping her bag, thankfully thick and water-resistant, she stood smiling as the rain fell heavier. Words couldn't describe the peace she felt as she watched people scramble for cover. She was now back on track—back to her first love. To the people, the rain was a mere torrential disturbance. To her it was a shower of blessings.

........

A little note from the Author: The Lord gives good gifts, but He would never give you what would take you away from Him. Have you seen a shepherd letting his sheep wander far from him? Be discerning as you grab opportunities.

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