Elijah’s stomach clenched. He sensed the same attitude from his mentor that he’d had himself a short time ago. How did he share what he’d learned without offending the man he greatly respected? “My goal is to have both the mother and father remain in church so they can be a strong example for this child they’re bringing into the world.”
“A noble and worthy goal.” Pastor McCann rubbed his jaw. “I didn’t ask you here today simply to chat and catch up. After serving this time as a youth pastor, do you feel God has called you to that instead of a senior pastor?”
The question took him by surprise. “Honestly, I don’t know. I’ve enjoyed it and feel I’ve done well, but I can’t say that I’ve felt a strong call to be a youth minister.”
“Would you be willing to pray about it?”
“I can.” He narrowed his eyes, curious as to what was going on.
“Pastor Ben handed in his resignation last month, but has agreed to stay on until we find a replacement.” Pastor McCann’s eyes bore into his. “We’ve interviewed half a dozen candidates, but we haven’t felt God’s leading on any of them. After much praying, your name came into the mix. We’ve spoken with Pastor Gray who wholeheartedly endorsed you, and the board unanimously agreed to offer you the position if you’ll have it.”
“Wow.” He breathed out slowly, giving his brain time to process the offer. “Pastor Ben was my youth pastor. Those are big shoes to fill.”
“They are, but we believe you are capable of it.” Pastor McCann smiled. “There’s more. I know you are scheduled to begin seminary this fall, and as part of your compensation package, the church will pay your tuition.”
Elijah’s mind went into overdrive. It seemed too good to be true. His parents had paid for undergrad schooling, but with five children in the family, he’d be responsible for any education after that. But was youth ministry God’s call for his life? He didn’t know. “That’s an amazing offer, and I’m truly honored, but I have to pray about it.”
Pastor McCann’s eyes twinkled. “I wouldn’t expect less.”
“When do you need an answer by?”
“As soon as you have one.” The pastor gave him an encouraging smile. “It’s important that you feel the call to this. While we have all prayed about it, ultimately you’re the one who needs to know this is where God wants you.”
“I promise I’ll pray about it and seek His direction.”
“That’s all I ask.” Pastor McCann rose to his feet. “I won’t keep you any longer. I know your family wants all the time possible with you, but thanks for stopping by. And whatever you decide, you always have a home here.”
“Thank you, sir.” He left the church with his mind spinning. The position would be an answer to prayer in one sense. Either way, he’d have to work while attending school, but this offer would allow him a job he loved and decent money. Would it be prudent to turn it down?
“Where do You want me, Lord?” he prayed as he drove to his parents. The ten minute drive didn’t yield any answers, not that he expected it would. Although it would have been nice, he’d learned God’s answer came in His time, not anyone else’s.
Chapter Twelve
Trixie checked her bank account, and for once, it made her smile. Six months after coming home, she had enough money to start looking for her own place to live. The prospect filled her with conflicting emotions. It was an enormous milestone, one that gave her a sense of redemption and pride.
At the same time, she enjoyed the closeness with her family and making up for lost time. Mom’s help with childcare had been pivotal, and Dad’s encouragement kept her going when she hit rough spots. She knew she couldn’t stay with them forever, but she wouldn’t rush to move out either—as long as her parents didn’t mind her there.
She logged out and set her new phone aside. No more prepaid flip phone. Her parents added her to their plan, and she’d gotten a great deal on a new smartphone. She’d also insisted she’d give her parents money each month for the line. At twenty-three, she had to take responsibility for herself, and though it was a baby step, it was progress.
Alice sat on the floor, watching a cartoon. Trixie didn’t know how much she understood of it, but something in the show made her laugh often. Sitting next to Alice, she watched the show also but received more entertainment from watching her daughter’s reactions than the show itself.
When the cartoon ended, she turned off the television and went to the kitchen to make lunch. Alice loved feeding herself now, and Trixie made her an egg and cut it into pieces. She toasted a piece of bread and sliced a banana. It was breakfast for lunch, but what Alice loved. She set the food on the high chair tray and went to grab Alice, but the doorbell interrupted her.
She peeked on Alice before answering the door. Alice saw her and toddled after her to the door. Trixie peeked through the peephole, surprised to see Elijah. She hadn’t spoken to him in two months, had carefully avoided him at church and around town.
Curious but nervous, she answered the door. “Hi there.”
“Hi.” His taut features showed he was uncomfortable as well. “I tried calling before I came, but the number’s disconnected.”
“I got a new number last week. I thought I had included you on the mass text I sent out.”Liar. You spent an hour agonizing whether to, before deciding not to include him.
“Oh.”
The hurt expression on her face planted guilt in her gut. “Have your phone with you? I can give you the number now.”
“Yes.” He pulled it from his pocket and held it up.
She took the phone from him and programmed her number. “Now you have it.”
