GOD'S BABY BRAT

    

I enjoy writing short stories for a weekly Christian writing contest. Posted below is my entry for January 26, 2015. It’s a re-write from a earlier blog post.

This story won the “E-badge” contest that week. I hope you enjoy it.  

Prompt: Psalm 66:16 (HCSB)                       Come and listen, all who fear God, and I will tell what He has done for me.

GOD’S BABY BRAT

I’m one of God’s children, but a spoiled brat. I drag around my blanket, my pacifier, and long to join the big boys and girls outside the nursery. Standing at the window, I watched them play outside. I want to be like them. But as long as I hold on to my blanket and pacifier, I’ll never be able to leave the nursery. Day after day I watched the big girls and boys outside and longed to play with them.

One day I saw something I hadn’t seen before. Lying on the floor with the blanket over my head, my hand rubbing the satin border, and sucking on my pacifier I watched out the window. I stood up, pressed my nose up against the window and dropped my blanket as I placed my hands against the window. My pacifier fell as I opened my mouth in surprised wonder.Daddy’s out there with them. They get to be with my Daddy.

I sat down, leaned against the window, and cried. Then I picked up my pacifier and looked at it. Why would anyone want this nasty thing? I looked at my blanket. When it was new, it was pretty with bright colors. Now it’s faded with the stains all over it. I’m filled with disgust, these things keep me from being with Daddy. Tears ran down my face and my lips quivered.

He saw me watching through the window. He walked toward the door. I got excited with anticipation. I ran to the door and waited for Daddy. The door swung open and in walked my Daddy. He picked me up and swung me around as I laughed.

Then He kissed me, “How’s my little baby doing today?”As I hugged Him, my blanket and pacifier fell to the floor.

I used my sweetest voice, the one I use when I want my way, “Daddy, I want to be outside with You and the big children. I want to run, play, and be with you all the time.”

“Baby, I want you with me too. But you’ll have to leave the blanket and pacifier in the nursery. Are you ready to let them go?”

I remembered how soft and comforting the blanket was and how much fun it was to suck on the pacifier.

“Daddy, I’m scared to let them go. My blanket gives me comfort and security. My pacifier has always given me pleasure, even if it was dirty. What will I have for pleasure if I let go? I really want to be outside with you and the other children. I am sick of this boring nursery. I long to be free, but what will I do?”

Daddy smiled at me with love in His eyes instead of disapproval, “Baby, you have me. I want to show you a life so full of excitement and joy that you can’t even begin to comprehend. Hold me when you’re afraid, I’m strong when you are weak. Are you willing to let go of these things? Do you trust me?”

He was so strong. It felt so good to be in His arms now. “Daddy, I chose you. Take me by the hand. I’m ready to grow up in Your presence now.”

He reached for my hand. I could tell He was so proud of me. He loves me so much. I love Him too. We smiled at each other as He opened the door to my new world. As I stepped through the open door, I knew in my heart that no matter what happened, my Daddy would always be there with me to lead me each step of the way. I was now free. Daddy would always be my source of comfort and pleasure.

Before I just never knew you had to let go to receive.

…. “ Assuredly, I say unto you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of Heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven”….. Matthew 18:3-4 NKJV

(Personal note: This is my personal life story. The blanket is my self-will and other sources I went to for comfort instead of God. The pacifier is my food addiction.)

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 Comments from the judge for Event #42 – Charles W. Short of Christian Flash Weekly:

Grand Champion – God’s Baby Brat by Deborah Crocker – An allegory about growing up as a Christian.  Leaving behind childishness and sinful pleasures. The story works well on a couple of different levels, yes mimicking Deborah’s individual story, but also the common experience of most of us.