The Perfect Gift

Chapter Fourteen

Sarah

My mum pulls up the car right in font of our church and I get down.

"So I'll pick you up when you're done?" she asks.

"Sure," I reply. After a quick wave and smile, she drives into the distance and disappears around a corner. 

I make my way into Living Faith Church and immediately, I open the big, black , wooden doors my mood lightens. I always feel better whenever I'm in the church. Because I feel God's presence a lot more here. The presence I desperately needed during the darkest part of my life after dad's death.

LFC was built years ago by the members of the community and yet it still felt pristine. The oak church pews felt cold beneath my touch as I walked down the church aisle.

A wide smile spreads across my face when I spot Rev. Baker sitting in the front row, his spectacled eyes concentrated on an old book in front of him. When I look closely, I see the old book is his bible.

Rev. Baker became the youngest pastor in LFC when he came three years ago. The first time we met, we'd formed a somewhat strong bond  and he's almost like a father to me.

I don't want to disturb him so I take a seat, three rows behind him. Kneeling on the cushion, I bow my head and pray my favorite prayer:

 The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.  He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths,  as he has promised.  Even if I go through the deepest darkness,  I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me. You prepare a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me; you welcome me as an honored guest  and fill my cup to the brim. I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; and your house will me my home as long as I live.    Amen.      

When I open my eyes, I notice Rev. Baker is beside me, quietly staring at the altar. "I see you still pray that particular prayer," he says with a small smile.

"Of course. It's my favorite. Rev. Baker?"

"Yes dear."

"Why does the Bible always refer to God as a shepherd and us as sheep?" I've always been curious about that.

"Sheep are one of the most dependent animals in the world and must trust in the shepherd for everything they need. And that's how God wants us to live: in dependence on Him. The shepherd never lets his sheep down."

"Oh, that makes sense." For a while, my mind wanders and I don't hear his next words.

He calls my attention back to him and I blush a little, slightly embarrassed.

"I'm sorry. What did you say, Rev. Baker?" 

"I asked how you're doing," he says chuckling. "Care to tell me what you were thinking about?"

"I don't feel like I'm the person I'm supposed to be, the person God wants me to be," I pause and then continue, "Ever since dad died, things have been really tough and I'm not sure of who I am or what I'm doing anymore. I'm just really confused."

When I finish talking, he takes in a breath and faces me earnestly.

"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." He quotes Jer 29 : 11, a bible verse I'm familiar with.

"All you need to do is trust Him, and believe that His plans will be fulfilled in your life; believe in His steadfast love for you."

I nod in understanding. "Thanks, Rev. Baker." He smiles in response.

After saying a short prayer, we both stand up to leave the premises. As we're walking, I see mum coming towards us. She greets Rev. Baker and beckons to me to get in the car.

"Bye, Rev. Baker," I say and give him a quick hug. "Bye dear. And Sarah?"

I turn to face him midway to the car. "Yeah?"

"How is your job at the cafe?"

"Well..really nice," I answer, a smile tugging at my lips.

Soon after, we're on our way home."

***

Dinner is a simple meal of pizza and Dr. Pepper. We eat in silence while watching The Simpsons, both our legs on the table. 

"So.." I start clearing my throat. "Uh, sweetie?" mum answers, her eyes still on the TV.

"Ashton asked me out," I almost wish I didn't say anything when I see her reaction. Her eyes are bulging and her mouth agape. Her plate of pizza is now on the table replacing of her legs. 

"What did you say?" she can barely contain her excitement. I can tell because her smile is so huge, I'm afraid her lips will tear from being so stretched.

"No," I shrug nonchalantly. I pick up my plate and head to the kitchen. Of course, she follows me.

"Why? You don't like him?"

"I.. Honestly, I don't know," I feel my face reddening at the declaration.

"So why not give him a chance?"

"Because!" I shout. "He's probably like all the other rich, snobbish kids at Westmore. He's just looking for a distraction, I'm sure."

I put the plates into the dishwasher. I don't want to look at mum's face.

"Probably," she says simply.

"What?" I turn to face her confused.

"He's probably like them. He might turn out to be a good guy. But you won't know that unless you give him a chance, Sarah."

When I don't say anything, she continues, "You should not let fear decide that for you."

She says with a small smile. She comes over to where I'm standing and envelopes me into a bear hug. "Promise me that you won't let fear make your choice."

"Okay."