“Haven’t we all?” Flashes of clarity illuminated his inner vision, and he understood all he hadn’t about Mrs. Graff, Pastor Gray, and Trixie.
He hadn’t seen it until he came face to face with it and realized his advice would make the difference in two young lives. Three, including the baby. He could stay on his high horse, point fingers, and push them away when they need Jesus the most—or he could love on these teens and help keep them on the right track during this pivotal time.
It wasn’t about approving or condemning, but showing the love of Jesus.
Trixie had been absolutely correct. His attitude wouldn’t draw anyone to church, only push them away.Forgive me, Lord.Guide me and grant me wisdom as I advise Aiden and Lara. Give me the right words to say so that wise choices are made and Your love is on display at all times.He had a phone call to make tonight, one he didn’t want to make but knew was necessary. First, he had to finish this meeting with Aiden and Lara. He had the feeling there would be many more over the next several months.
An idea formed. Would she go for it? He didn’t know, but it gave him a reason to call Trixie that would give him a lead-in to his apology.
“Lara, would it help you to speak to another woman who has been in a situation similar to yours?”
Her eyes widened, and a glimmer of hope surfaced in her tear-moistened eyes. “Do you know someone?”
“I might.” It surprised him that Lara hadn’t immediately thought about Trixie—he thought everyone in Jasper Lake, especially the church, knew her story—but apparently not. “I’ll call her this weekend and let you know on Sunday.”
“Thank you, Pastor Eli.” She smiled then blew her nose.
“You’re welcome, though I can’t promise she’ll agree.” He turned his attention back to Aiden. “When would be a good time to talk to your parents?”
“If you’re really serious, tomorrow morning. Dad leaves for a business trip on Monday.”
There went his easy weekend, but he had to get used to it—pastors lived on-call. It came with the position, and anyone unwilling to have their life interrupted, didn’t belong there. “Why don’t I come by around nine, and I’ll bring donuts from the bakery.”
“Mom likes the angel crème coconut ones,” Aiden said, as though donuts could miraculously solve all the world’s problems.
They didn’t, but food did break down barriers. It’s why so many churches had fellowships and potlucks after services. “What about your dad?”
“Plain glazed.” Aiden settled his ball cap on his tilted head. “Why are you being so nice? No offense, but I kind of thought you were a stick in the mud.”
Elijah ignored the insult though he earned it honestly. “Two months ago, I can’t say I’d have the same reaction, but my primary mission is to lead my students into a relationship with Christ and prepare them to stand strong in Christ when they face adversity. If I turned away from you now, I’d fail at that.”
Aiden grinned, coming off much more like the teenager he was. “I guess I should take back all those things I said about you.”
Laughing, Elijah waved his hand. “Get out of here, and find some good, wholesome fun to get into. I’ll see you tomorrow, and Lara, I’ll talk to you on Sunday and let you know either way.”
The teens left out, their shoulders higher than when they’d come in.
Elijah watched them from his office window as they walked to Aiden’s car—a nicer model than what he drove. He couldn’t wonder if his parents’ indulgence had led to Aiden’s behavior and now they thought they could crack down after years of leniency. He stopped himself mid-thought, deciding he didn’t have enough information to make a decision.
Besides, hadn’t he learned a valuable lesson about judging? He hated apologizing. It didn’t come easy and made him feel small no matter how gracious the person accepted it.
His gut told him Trixie wouldn’t take it graciously, and he couldn’t say he’d blame her after how he’d treated her.
Chapter Six
Trixie opened the sliding glass door leading to her parents’ deck. She crossed her arms for warmth as a shiver passed over her. If she wanted to admire the freshly fallen snow, she’d have to add more layers to her boot socks, sweatpants and heavy cable-knit sweater. Looking down at her outfit, she giggled. She wouldn’t win any fashion awards today.
A gust of wind blew through the open crack before she closed the door.Oh yeah, it’s a hot chocolate type of morning. She snuck to the kitchen to heat water, determined to sneak a mug in before Alice woke up. Very little in this world compared to those silent moments alone in the morning.
She checked the monitor hooked to her waistband and saw Alice sound asleep. Her mom had bought the monitor the week Trixie had come home after insisting she and Alice stay at their house until Trixie got back on her feet. Now that she had the monitor, she didn’t know how she’d lived without it for nine months.That’s right… I lived in a tiny studio apartment that I could cross in fifteen steps.
Mom sat at the kitchen island, sipping a cup of coffee. “You’re up early?”
“I thought I heard Alice, but it must have been in my dream.” She put the tea kettle under the faucet and added water. “I could say the same for you.”
“Your dad’s snoring woke me up.” Mom winked. “Plus, I treasure these early morning moments. They’re so peaceful.”
“I had that same thought as I was walking in here.” She put her hand on the knob for the burner but didn’t turn it yet. “And now I’m interrupting your quiet time, aren’t I?”
