Evie
It was four minutes after the hour, and Seth was nowhere to be seen. Evie checked the dainty watch on her wrist and forced a smile. People turned in their seats to look at her for answers, and she didn’t have one. Last she’d seen, Seth had been dressed, pressed, and ready to preach. She fought the urge to turn in her pew and stare at the back doors.
Mr. White stood out in the front pew, because he wore a full black suit—the same one he’d dressed up in for the funeral. His complexion had evened out, but his anger was as apparent as the other day when he’d about popped a tire on a pothole. His wife sat several inches away from him, as if he were giving off some sort of radiation or had a cold she didn’t want to catch. Evie hoped he was okay.
Where was Seth? She checked her watch again.
Terri slipped in and took a seat two rows back. Evie waved at her. She didn’t look happy either. People were not in the mood for good tidings today. Hopefully, Seth had some words for them. As much as she loved being a preacher’s wife, and giving service, these people needed to hear the word of God. It was only by faith in Jesus that they’d be lifted up.
“Sorry I’m late.” Seth strode in, carrying his guitar, of all things.
Evie’s jaw dropped, and she hurried to snap her mouth closed.
“I was lost in prayer, if you can believe it.”
That comment earned him a chuckle. He situated his tablet and a sheaf of music on the pulpit and leaned his guitar on the side. People sat up taller. There was a level of expectation in the air, and she heard several whispers about music and singing.
Evie’s heart expanded as she watched the man she loved do something that was hard for him. He was so brave, so strong, so humble to be willing to change a part of himself and share his God-given talents with others—even though it made his hands shake. She wished she could walk right up there, put her hand over his, and still his nerves.
Oh, how she loved this man.
She tried to make eye contact, but Seth seemed to look everywhere but at her. As silly as it was, the avoidance caused her to doubt herself. Had she done something wrong? Did he feel pressured into singing today because of what she’d done before? Was he still upset at her? She didn’t think she could take it if he looked at her with that much disappointment again.
They shared an opening song and a prayer. The sense of anticipation was growing by the minute. Evie gripped the edge of the pew and hung on, needing something to stabilize herself, or she might jump out of her seat. As it was, her knee bounced in a fit of energy.
“I was going to share some things I’d learned about small acts that have big results. I wanted to talk about prayer—and how kneeling can open the floodgates of heaven. I’ve seen physical acts have spiritual results time and time again. And we’ve several stories in the Bible, including Jesus anointing a man with clay and telling him to wash it off in order to see, that teach us thatwhat we domatters.”
A few people nodded their heads.
Evie bit her lip. A burr of guilt buried itself against her ribs. She’d done a big thing—gotten married—and presented a false front to all the wonderful people in this room. To her friends. She adjusted in her seat, but the burr stayed put.
“Instead,” Seth continued, “I want to talk about being uncomfortable.”
Evie mentally rolled her eyes.I’m a step ahead of you, she thought.
“I don’t think God wants us to be comfortable in this life.” He held up a palm. “Let me explain before you start quoting John 10:10.I have come that they may have life and have it to the full,says the Lord.”
“Amen,” murmured several people.
“Jerom, have you ever had a growing pain?”
Jerom looked up at his mother, who nodded for him to answer. “Sometimes.”
“What’s that like?” Seth prodded.
“I can’t sleep. My legs feel like they’re stretching.” He touched his thighs as if he could feel the pain in that moment.
Evie gave him a sympathetic frown.
“Right! And perhaps, when we are growing to become more like our Savior, we experience growing pains too. That’s why we have heartache during our lifetime. Because we cannot learn to follow Jesus and forgive as He forgives us if our hearts aren’t broken in the first place.”
Mrs. Timms’s feathers bobbed as she nodded in agreement.
“We cannot learn to serve others if no one is in need. At times, you will be the one to carry a friend, and at others, that friend will carry you. Thereby you may both magnify Jesus.”
Evie looked around. This little flock was so good at looking out for one another. Her heart continued to expand for them in their needs. Mrs. Farmly’s loneliness. Mr. Lucas’s weak heart after his surgery. The Hendersons’ struggle to raise a family. Terri’s wayward husband.
She focused her attention back on Seth as he picked up his guitar.
