Chuckles and Challenges
A journey towards joy

Welcome to my ‘Story of the week’. This short story was born in a quiet moment of prayer.

We all want to help others but sometimes we find ourselves running on empty. This story is a gentle reminder to look inward and to uncover the treasures God has placed within us, treasures that are meant to be shared.

It’s my hope that as you read, you’ll be inspired not just to care, but to care deeply. Because real help comes from a full heart, and hearts will always be filled at the feet of Jesus

From A Friend Who Cares

By J.K. Stenger

The door swung open; I stepped in.

A lovely fragrance, hinting at the peace I longed for, filled my senses. My eyes needed time to adjust. It wasn’t dark there, just different. 

Outside, it was raining. Storm clouds hung low over the gloomy forest, blotting out the sun and casting the land in darkness. 

But here an ethereal light, almost silvery in hue radiated everywhere, touching everything with an otherworldly glow. 

It was the very reason I had come.

Oh, for a chance to lay my burdens down,
The possibility to wear my holy gown.
To find refreshing for my troubled views
And in His presence find uplifting clues.

Then I saw Him. Words would fail to describe the tenderness in His eyes or the safe security that I felt coming from Him. I approached with careful steps, a sense of reverence settling over me as I recognized the sanctity of the place. I was treading on holy ground. The only right attitude here was worship, fired by a sincere and deep humility.

Oh, to see a glimpse of His wondrous smile
That removes my sin, every thought so vile.
In the quiet place of sweet communion
I will find His love in everlasting union

As I settled down, He presented me with a jewelled goblet. I stared at it in wonder while I let my fingers slide over the smooth substance. It was so clear; I could see my own wondering eyes in its reflection.

I wanted to ask why He had given it to me, but He motioned for me to follow Him. Together we went deeper and deeper into the world behind the door.

He stopped near a sparkling lake and told me to use my cup to scoop up the water. As I knelt down the scent of a fresh spring breeze with hints of blooming flowers washed over me and I gazed intently at the waters before me. They were crystal-clear, but the bottom was obscured by a hazy depth. So profoundly still was the surface, it resembled a sheet of glass I could easily walk on.

And I was supposed to stick my cup into it and disturb these waters? It felt sacrilegious for my hands so stained with sin, to touch this holy water. 

He smiled and said in a voice so tender that His words were like ripples that gently caressed the stillness, “Take freely of the waters of life.” 

When my cup was full to overflowing, I took it out and looked at Him with a questioning gaze. “And now?” 

“Turn it over,” He said. “And catch.”

“Catch?” I did not understand, but obeyed. As I carefully turned the cup on its side, I expected the precious liquid to splash over my hand and go to waste, but it did not.

Instead, precious crystals, shaped like teardrops, came out and landed in the palm of my hand. The waters had solidified into beautiful gems that shone and sparkled with rainbow light.

“Are they for me?”  I asked expectantly, while I beheld the kindness in His eyes. 

He shook his head and said, “They are to give away.”

I understood. These crystals were not mine to keep but to give out for the healing of the world. A serene rest filled my soul and I knew it was time to leave. I tucked the crystals safely in my pocket and cast Him one last, adoring glimpse while whispering a word of humble gratitude.

“I’ll be with you always,” were His last words. 

And so, I stepped back into the world outside with my crystals and a heart full of peace.

The clouds had vanished, and a radiant light painted the land in colourful hues. 

That’s when I noticed an elderly woman, her face etched with age. Her eyes were dull, her shoulders slumped. Would she want a crystal? I wasn’t sure whether she’d appreciate one, but she looked like she needed beauty and hope.

“Hello,” I called from afar. 

She stopped; her tired eyes flashed suspicion. “What?”

Approaching, I held up a crystal for her to see. A sunbeam illuminated its beauty. “This is for you,” I said. “A gift.”

With a surprised look in her eyes she presented her arthritic hand, into which I gently dropped the crystal teardrop.

“For me?” she stammered.

“It is,” I said. “From a Friend, who cares.”

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