A Spark of Hope

Chapter Eight: Getting out of the Boat

At the breakfast table, Carron told her parents about the previous day's events. She briefly told them about her and Gabriel's choice and waited for their response.

After a few moments her dad spoke, "Carron, I respect your decision. You are very level headed, and I believe you are thinking clearly and making good decisions about your future." Both parents exchanged glances. "Your mother and I were wondering what direction your future was headed and what you wanted to do with it. We are pleased you have made up your mind about moving forwards. Gabriel is a good man, and I'm sure you will be happy dating him."

Carron breathed out a sigh of relief, "Thank you. I cannot tell you what a great relief it is for me to hear you say that. How do you feel about Gabriel and my decision to leave the church and slot into another one?"

"Well I for one think this is an excellent decision," Daddy looked at Mommy. "What honey, we have discussed this. She needs to know."

Mommy continued, "We have been paying more attention to things going on in church and after church. We are not blind to what's happening. We have been feeling....well...."

"What your mother is trying to say is we have also been talking about changing churches."

"Really?"

"The scriptures say that no one is allowed to touch God's anointed. In the light of this, we have not said anything to you or anyone else about how we feel about Pastor Blake and his methods of dealing with issues. But enough is enough honey. We will all pray about which church to move to, and we will all move together."

"Carron, there is a right way and a wrong way of changing churches. We need to forgive those who hurt us and carry no offence in our hearts."

"Yes, I understand all this Dad. We will make sure we have sorted out all issues and work through this offence. Thanks Mom for praying."

Carron got up and hugged her parents, "You are the best parents in the world!"

"We try. Like your mother says, we will pray together. But please put off your resignation until tomorrow. I think your mom and I should be there with you. Let us all resign together. I will request a meeting with the leaders, so we can address the matter in one go and then ask for their blessing to leave. I think this will be best."

"Ok, I will speak to Gabriel."

"Just go in and get everything done today, prepare yourself knowing this is your last day there. And honey, I will help you pay for your tuition. I am very proud of you for taking this significant step."

Carron sucked in a deep breath, "Thank you, Daddy!"

In the car, Carron told Gabriel of her conversation with her parents.

"Wow! That is fantastic! See, God has gone before us and is paving the way. All will work out the way it should."

Carron smiled broadly, "You prayed about something and said you wanted to discuss it with me today?"

"Yes, I did. You have a good memory. As you know, my dad has this job he does in his spare time, taking climbers up the mountain."

"Yes."

"Well, I have been going up with him for years. He has mentioned a few times he is getting too old to continue doing this as his joints no longer are allowing for the harsh down hills. So I was thinking, maybe I should take over from him. Not just do weekend trips, but week trips as well. I could approach the Tourist Board and see about contracting for them or something."

"That sounds fantastic! What an excellent idea. Only one problem, though."

"What's that?"

"I will miss you terribly when you're away."

When Gabriel and Carron arrived at the church, Pastor Blake pulled up next to them. He got out of the car and yanked Gabriel door open, "What's going on here? I thought I made myself clear yesterday!"

Gabriel got out of the car, closed his door and calmly replied, "Morning Pastor Blake. With all due respect, the conversation of yesterday is still to be continued. We will talk about this later on. Please excuse me, Carron and I have work to do."

Gabriel walked to Carron's side of the car, held out his arm and waited for her to link her arm in his and escorted her to her workstation. He kept a steady eye on her all day, making sure she wasn't bothered.

Pastor Blake had tried reasoning with him during the day, but he decided not to engage. At the end of the day, he was quite tired of hearing how bad Carron was for him and what a mistake he was making. He had been working hard, getting things finished and ready for the next person to take over from him. Pastor Blake had been hovering most of the day, but this didn't stop Gabriel from continuing in his work. He finally stood up, squared his shoulders and interjected, "Well, I guess it's time to fetch my future wife. Please excuse me, we'll talk again tomorrow."

"Gabriel! I'm not finished talking to you yet."

"I'm done listening. Oh, before I forget, Carron and I won't be coming in bright and early tomorrow, we have plans. See you later on. Bye."

He left Pastor Blake standing there, jaw hanging open.

He went over to where Carron worked and escorted her out of the building. They saw Pastor Blake walking in their direction and quickly jumped into the car and drove off.

"So where to Missy?"

"Home, please. I'm exhausted."

"All righty then."

"Drop me off and come back in an hour for supper. I'm interested to hear what time we're meeting the leaders. We can also talk about what we are going to do tomorrow. Do you realize it's our first day off in a long time?"

Gabriel nodded, "Yes and it's a well-deserved break wouldn't you say?"

"Yip."

"See you in a bit."

Carron got out of the car and watched Gabriel drive off.