Renaissance

By Mark Miller

One definition of renaissance is renewal of life, vigor, interest, etc.; rebirth; revival.

The stories gathered here are expressions of that idea. Written at different times, for different reasons, they all share the same theme. The idea of renewal is an important part of life. We are always looking for ways to better ourselves. Sometimes, we are not aware of it and we receive a message from an unexpected place. Sometimes, the inspiration comes from a long forgotten memory.

Whatever the case, we are given an opportunity that can easily slip by in a momentary encounter or even a dream.

• Language: English
• Publisher: MillerWords, LLC
• Release date: Dec 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386600718

Mark Miller

Mark Miller (BA, Evangel University) is executive pastor at NewSong Church in Cleveland, Ohio, and he consults for other churches on reaching postmoderns, creativity, and leadership. He is the founder of The Jesus Journey, an experiential storytelling retreat that makes the story of the Bible accessible to postmoderns. He is married to Stacey and has two daughters.

Book preview

Introduction

One definition of renaissance is renewal of life, vigor, interest, etc.; rebirth; revival.

The stories gathered here are expressions of that idea. Written at different times, for different reasons, they all share the same theme. I think the idea of renewal is an important part of life. We are always looking for ways to better ourselves. Sometimes, we are not aware of it and we receive a message from an unexpected place. Sometimes, the inspiration comes from a long forgotten memory. Whatever the case, we are given an opportunity that can easily slip by in a momentary encounter or even a dream.

These stories may seem bittersweet, but to me they also represent hope.

The award-winning story The Forgotten Well was selected for the Florida Writer’s Association annual collection. I feel particularly honored for winning as the entrants were judged by peer authors.

Thank you for reading,

Mark

Spring

The Forgotten Well

Simple.

Gold.

Circle.

Robert wanted something simple and gold. He felt like that was all he needed.

His fiancé announced that she needed more. When he surprised her with his proposal, she looked disappointed as she inspected the quarter karat diamond engagement ring. Before she agreed to marry him, he had to agree to provide a full karat on braided yellow and white gold.

Simple.

Why were things no longer simple, wondered Robert. He assured himself that he loved his fiancé. He wanted to make her happy, but that happiness came with a price tag. He had a good job, a career even. He did not have a huge vault full of money though.

Gold.

His fiancé wanted gold. Robert could get the ring. No big deal. He could apply for credit and get her the biggest ring she could imagine. He already knew her though. He knew she would not stop there. He loved her, but started to wonder if she loved him or only his money.

Robert wanted simple, like when he was a kid. It sounded cliché in his head, but everybody said life was simpler when they were younger.

The Saturday morning that Robert processed all of these thoughts, he awoke before she did and left. After writing four words on the back of an envelope, he headed to the garage.