The Challenge Completion

A little while ago, I posted the Challenge contest. Click here if you don't remember what I'm talking about. Although I only had one entry, it was a good one and well deserving of the prize. The prize was a little bit different, though, than in past contests. The winner won another challenge, which I would craft specifically for him or her, and if that was completed, there would be a real prize.

Here is a copy of my email to the winner, Buttercup, detailing what she needed to do and the prize she would win.

Find someone you know (from work, church, neighbor, family member, Starbucks barrista, etc.) who is having a hard time this Christmas. Your challenge is to be a secret Santa to that person (or a secret Jesus) by first finding out in what way they are struggling and then finding creative ways to bring them comfort and joy. It can be through whatever way you see fit, but you are not allowed to spend more than $20 on the whole challenge. Lavish God's goodness on them at least three times before Christmas, and I'll give you this Willow Tree statue. It's one of my favorites, and it seems appropriate for completing a challenge! :) 

The Card on the Courage Willow Tree Angel Card reads, "Bringing a triumphant spirit, inspiration and courage."

I told her if she completed the challenge, not only would she get the angel, but also a chance to guest-post on The Sweet Spot to let you know how it went. Here is her post about the challenge. Hope you enjoy the read! Congratulations, Buttercup on completing the challenge!! 

When Sweetie posted her challenge on the Sweet Spot, my creative juices starting revving up.  Though there are many challenges I've given myself these last few months, the one I'm guessing will keep me on my knees most this year is one I didn't ask for. In fact, when I was offered this challenge, I refused. . .not once, but several times. Finally, both the principal and vice principal of our school (independent of each other) told me they had been thinking and praying and really felt like I was the right person for the position. I'd been asked to take over a 3rd grade classroom for a fellow teacher going on maternity leave. Going back to an elementary classroom after a 4 1/2 year absence is a bit terrifying for me. "Fear is not of God," my mom reminded me gently, yet pointedly. So, I start that next week. Please pray for me if you think of it! My boss has reminded me that they're using this experience to see if they want to offer me a similar position next year (*gulp* no pressure!). So, Sweetie's challenge came right as I'd prayerfully decided to take the opportunity and felt God calling me to face my fear. I'll let you know how it goes!

Because I wrote the most compelling *ahem* essay, Sweetie said I qualified for Round 2 of the challenge series: to pick a person to bless who is having a difficult time this holiday season. I grinned smugly to myself, "Easy." The hard part would be picking just one person!

I couldn't narrow it down, so I picked a really sweet couple and two other hard-working people who often get overlooked (how my heart goes out to those who seem unnoticed). They were all having an especially discouraging time. Writing notes of encouragement to them was so much fun! I could hardly wait for them to read my notes - hoping they would be as happy to receive them as I'd been writing them. :)

Then, I was convicted that I was choosing people who are easy to love - they are kind to me and such positive people to be around. Another person was on my heart - someone who resents me right now for getting something that they should have been given. It was nothing I asked for or wanted, but something she wanted very much. I feel so guilty for this blessing and want to explain to her, but somehow the explanation feels like a cheapskate sympathy pat on the back. :( I figured it would be better if she didn't know this gift was from me, so I put together movie tickets and a coffee gift card. It didn't change any of her feelings towards me, but somehow it increased my compassion for her. Funny how that works. :) Thanks, Sweetie, for helping me to put what would have been a flickering well-meaning thought and coaxing it to action!