by Gay N. Lewis
Charles grinned. “Honeymoon’s the best part. Where you taking her?”
“Colorado, to a ski resort. We’ll be back after the first of the year.”
“A good time for you to be gone. Construction usually slows down around Christmas, and then bad weather prevents the building process also.”
“Right, but I’m leaving Jack in charge. He’ll work the crews as much as possible.”
“Sounds as though you have it all organized. What brings you my way?”
“After we return, I want to apply for additional loans. I’m expanding another subdivision and will need interim financing. Just thought I’d stop in and check on the possibility of the bank considering it.”
“You’ve always paid your obligations on time, so I don’t see a problem. I’ll talk to the board about it, but Mrs. Marsh will have the final say-so.”
Cannon nodded. “Beth’s been a family friend for years. Her husband and my father were partners in several ventures.”
Charles leaned back in his chair and made a steeple with his fingers. “And I have no doubt she will agree to finance another project for you. She’s a good businesswoman, but she’s also a generous lady.”
“Do I detect a special interest in Beth? She’s beautiful and available.”
Charles shrugged. “She’s not just beautiful, she’s gorgeous, but I work for the lady. I don’t think she has any interest in an involvement with me.”
Chuckling, Cannon slapped his knee. “Yeah, Laney worked for me and didn’t think business and pleasure mixed, but I’m here to tell you they do. It took quite a bit of persuasion on my part, but I finally convinced my bride such things didn’t matter. Laney will continue working for me as an architect after we’re married. Don’t let your position as president of her bank get in the way.”
“I offered to resign if it would make her comfortable with a personal relationship.”
“What’d she say?”
“She looked horrified. She said she enjoyed our friendship, but wants only a platonic bond.”
“Change her mind.”
“Easier said than done.”
Cannon rose from his chair. “Don’t I know it, but man, it’s sure fun to try.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Did angels suffer from depression? Sarah frowned as she considered the thought. Everyone lived in peace and happiness in The Heavenlies, but then again, she existed on Earth at this moment in the planet’s time—and humans faced these emotions. Why did this new feeling suddenly come upon her? While she sat enveloped in her frosty mist, she fretted. Events progressed well so far down here. With no timeframe to complete the mission and things moving along, why did she feel a bit low? What could be the problem?
Mother Goodness said the Lord God gifted her with the ability to relate to the humans, so maybe the sad sensations came as a result of that skill. Experiencing the elements down here—heat, cold, hunger, all the same things humans faced—seemed to penetrate her angelic presence just as it did the mortals.
What might be the reason for the latest, dejected emotion? Cupping her chin in her hands, she tried to analyze the feeling.
“Mother Goodness, do you have time for a chat?”
The mentor suddenly appeared at her side. “Child, what’s wrong?”
“I don’t like this feeling of sadness. I want it to go away.”
“Hmmm, I see. You expect always to experience bliss down here. Am I right?”
“Yes, ma’am. We do in The Heavenlies.”
Mother Goodness pointed upward with her index finger. “That’s up there.” She pointed downward. “You are down here. Flawlessness doesn’t exist in this realm. Mortals don’t always follow God’s plan. They sin. Do you think that makes God happy in the upper abode?”
Sarah felt her eyes grow wide. “No, ma’am, not even up there. He isn’t joyful about man’s unholy ways, but the rest of us are totally complete and at peace in The Heavenlies.”
Mother Goodness nodded. “Yes, we are, and mortals who arrive are finished with the worries of this world, and they find the joy we have. But God’s work isn’t complete for the ones below. Holy God is perfect, and man’s choice to go against His love causes Him pain and sometimes anger in His abode in The Heavenlies. If it were not for His grace and mercy, He would have annihilated this planet long ago.”
“So He understands how I feel.” Sarah chewed her lip as she considered the possibilities.
“Yes, child. He knows.”
“Is He mad at me?”
The sound of laughter from Mother Goodness reminded Sarah of tinkling crystal. “No, little one. Your gift of relating to the humans helps you understand them. When given the opportunity, you can impart to them how much God cares and that He has a better plan for them.”
Caressing Sarah’s cheek, Mother Goodness smiled. “The feeling of despondency that comes upon humans is often unexplained. At other times, we can understand them from studying the lives of others.
“Prophets during the Old Testament times experienced these sensations after a victory. On top of Mount Carmel, Elijah demonstrated courage against the false prophets of Baal, and he won a mighty triumph. Following this achievement, he grew weary, sad, and fearful. Jezebel threatened his life, and the poor fellow fled in desperation. He spent some time hiding and sleeping under a broom tree—totally exhausted and depressed. The Commander sent one of our own with food and water to wake and feed him. Elijah slept once more, and then the angel from The Heavenlies awoke him a second time. Our angel told him to eat and drink. After the rest and nourishment, the good man traveled forty days and nights to Mount Horeb, where he experienced an encounter with the Holy One. Excessive, stimulating emotions had been his on Carmel, but once the exhilarating event was over, he felt deflated—until he communed with God.
“God gave others a melancholy temperament to work with. Artists and musicians on this planet have been known to create great works of art after a bout with deep unhappiness. I could go on, but I think you have the picture. Evidently, the Lord God wants you to experience numerous emotions just as the humans do. He plans for this, so it is no surprise to Him, but it is up to you—as well as the mortals—to find out how to use His design. All of us make mistakes when we don’t seek His help. God gave the humans medical professionals, along with ministers, and friends to assist them. We often face error when we don’t search for a peer’s help. You did the right thing by calling for me. Confiding is good.”
Sarah ducked her head. “I’m thankful to have you.” She sighed and glanced up at the soft, gentle expression on Mother’s Goodness’ face. “Will my work grow easier in the future? How about these emotions and insecurities? Will they disappear?”
Mother Goodness blew out a long breath. “Perhaps some will, but not in all cases. God expects you to develop in faith, but He will also use your uncertainties and emotions.”
“I hate to complain, but I sure wish He’d take this blue feeling away.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
After Mother Goodness retreated to The Heavenlies, Sarah called forth a shower cloud and scrubbed her hair and body clean to prepare for church. Finding it impossible to go this time as Annie—Beth and Maria might discover her—she decided to worship in natural form.
She donned a fresh robe and snowy white slippers. Maybe a visit to worship would brighten her spirits.
From the roof, the church’s interior appeared lovely. The trees, poinsettias, garlands, and nativity scenes scattered around all added to the natural beauty of the sanctuary.
As at every human worship service, angels presented themselves. Some sat below with their charges. Others, such as Sarah, stood on the roof. At times, the Almighty allowed His spirit helpers to see each other, and then at other times, He did not. Sarah shook her head. The reason for this escaped her understanding, but then again, the Supreme Being made decisions for her to accept, not understand.
Glancing about, Sarah wondered if she would recognize any of the spiri
ts visible to her sight. When her eyes lighted on Christian, she beamed a smile to rival the size of the nearest star. She floated over to him.
“Hello, Christian. This is the first time I’ve seen you down here, and I’m pleased.”
“Hi, Sarah. Yeah, when we finished Angel School 101, I thought we might fly into each other on assignments, but we’ve always been in separate cities on planet Earth.”
Sarah nodded. “Who is your charge?”
Christian nodded toward a young couple as they entered the worship center. “I’m to bring those two together.”
“Looks as though you’ve succeeded.”
“Almost. The man plans to ask her to marry him tonight. If he does, my job is finished, and I return to The Heavenlies.”
“Did you ever wonder if the people we unite might be wrong for each other?”
“Sometimes, but not with those two. The Commander told me in advance they were suited for marriage.”
“He told me the same thing with Laney and Cannon on my last assignment, but this time, I have to discover who is right for Beth.”
“That’s tough. Have you solved the puzzle yet?”
Sarah shook her head and tears gathered in her eyes. “It seems to be between two men, and from her expressions and actions, Beth seems attracted to both of them.”
“Do you have a time limit on this assignment?”
Sarah blew out a pent-up breath. “No, thank the goodness from above. On my first mission, I had to find Tom a mate by Valentine’s Day, but on this assignment, I’ve been given no indication to hurry.”
Christian unfurled his large wings. “Isn’t it odd how God’s timetable travels rapidly at times, but at other intervals He moves slowly? Our assignments are to do the best we can in either case.”
“Yeah, and our tasks would be easier if He gave more details and made the humans more cooperative.”
A low rumble echoed across the skies.
“Uh-oh, a warning.” Christian whispered. “Let’s not criticize. We’ll cause trouble for ourselves.”
Sarah twisted her mouth and scrunched her nose. “It’s always something,” she whispered in response.
When she spotted an attractive couple entering the sanctuary, she touched Christian’s arm. “There’s Cannon and Laney! They were my charges this past summer, and their marriage is to take place soon.” Cringing, she closed her eyes. “I’m to assume a human disguise and be a guest at their wedding. I sure hope I can pull it off.”
Other angels gathered and gestured for the two novices to remain quiet. Sarah and Christian sat down together to enjoy the service just as Beth, Maria, and Carlos entered. The human trio chose to worship in the middle of the large auditorium. Beth waved to Cannon and Laney as she took her place.
After the praise music, two teenaged girls dressed in early Biblical clothes came to center stage.
“What are they doing?” Christian’s brows puckered as he peered below.
“I think it’s a dramatic presentation. Oh, how much fun!” Sarah leaned forward and tuned in to the conversation between the two girls.
“Mary, are you excited about your marriage to Joseph?”
“Yes, but Hannah, I’m a little frightened too. I’ve learned the skills of cooking and cleaning, and I know how to spin flax into linen for garments, but there are other things to learn about being a wife.”
“True, but Joseph is older and wiser. He’ll be patient with you, and you’ll quickly become comfortable.”
“My goal is to be a wife similar to the one mentioned in the beautiful proverb we learned as children. The proverb says a wife is more valuable than rubies. My objective is to become that woman. The wise man who gave it to us all those years ago wrote that we are to be of noble character and give confidence to our husbands. As wives, we should bring our husbands good and not harm.” Mary placed her basket on a make-believe rock and stooped to gather straw from the floor.
Her companion did the same. “You will give self-assurance to Joseph, and he will be respected at the city gate when he takes his place with the elders. There’s no doubt in my mind that Joseph will praise you. The reputation you hold in our Nazareth village is above reproach. Everyone knows you love the Lord God with all your heart.”
Mary nodded. “And I’m willing to work. According to the proverb, I’m to buy and sell land and plant vineyards. I know nothing of that, and I don’t know how to sell clothing or objects to the merchants.”
“You are young. The lady in the proverb was older. We learn as we go along. We labor toward the ideal.”
Mary finished gathering the straw and stood. “I’m dedicated to whatever the Lord plans for me.”
As the two walked away from the elevated platform, Hannah spoke. “And when the Lord provides you with children, you will be a good mother. I have no doubt they will arise and call you blessed.” The two exited stage left.
Pastor Browning took his place at the podium.
“As we begin the Christmas celebration on this first Sunday in December, we will unfold the story of Mary, Joseph, and the baby born in a manger. From the play, we see Mary as a young woman similar to teenagers of today.” He paused to chuckle. “At least most girls dream of marriage and Prince Charming. However, nowadays, many find fulfillment in careers and see marriage as secondary—or maybe totally unnecessary. But in Mary’s day, marriage was expected. Sometimes fathers arranged marriages while their daughters still occupied the cradle.
“The customary Jewish marriage occurred in two stages, and the union was arranged by both fathers. A betrothal ceremony would take place in front of family and friends, and it sealed the deal. This ritual was a binding agreement. If the man changed his mind, the couple had to divorce, but breaking the family agreement was most unlikely back then. The couple was considered husband and wife, even though they didn’t live together. When circumstances during this betrothal phase called for them to be in the same place at the same time, they were chaperoned constantly. Chastity was mandatory, and neither male nor female could consider being in the presence of another man or woman. If one party strayed or broke the agreement, it was considered adultery. Mary and Joseph were in this first stage of marriage.
“The second stage usually took place after a year’s preparation, with both the bride and groom getting ready for the event. It was the groom’s responsibility to organize the wedding and provide a home. We’ve sort of reversed the process today. Now the bride’s family shoulders most of the wedding planning and expense, but in Biblical times, the groom arranged the wedding feast. It typically lasted a week and at some point during these seven days, the bride and groom would consummate the marriage.
“The miniature drama we saw with Mary talking to her friend combines Mary’s circumstances with Proverbs thirty-one. The wise man who penned that proverb wrote about the idyllic wife.”
Pastor Browning beamed a million-dollar, mischievous grin. “How many of you men in here married the perfect wife? Raise your hand.” A spattering of laughter rose from the congregation as every married man in the sanctuary lifted his hand. “Great to see all of you have one. Now let’s reverse that. All you ladies who married the perfect man, raise your hand.” More laugher as the women boosted their hands. “Seems to me that many in my congregation aren’t very truthful.” More laughter.
“Did you hear what the Virgin Mary said as she visited with her friend? She knew the attributes written in the proverb about the impeccable wife, and Mary said this was her goal—her ideal. None of us ever achieve perfection, though we constantly work toward it. As the Christmas story unfolds in the next few weeks, we will see the hardship Mary faced as a mate and a new mother. We’ll see how she gave birth to a sweet baby and had to place Him in a feeding trough—not at all an easy thing for a wife or mother to do. Circumstances were far from ideal.
“Some wives would have grown angry with a husband for allowing this to happen, but Mary knew the conditions weren’t Joseph’s fault. When she became Jo
seph’s betrothed, she had no ambition for wealth, fame, or an easy life. Mary desired to do the will of God—to be all that God created her to be. Curious? Scared? Uncertain? Yes, of course Mary felt misgivings. After all, she was human, and she must have experienced these emotions. But even as a young girl, she trusted her God. As a result of her innocent but growing faith, Mary is revered by many.
“My challenge to each of you today is to grow into the person God wants you to become. If you are a wife, cherish your husband. If you are a husband, honor your wife.” Pastor Browning grinned again. “And if you are single like me, you may need to find that person who will complete your life, just as Mary did for Joseph.”
Pastor Browning held out his hands to the congregation, and his face expressed sorrow. “Some of you met the wrong person, and your marriage ended in divorce. But please don’t give up on hope for companionship, if that’s your heart’s desire. A few of you lost a spouse to death. Give yourselves permission to start over. Explore the possibilities that this might be God’s plan for you.”
He closed his Bible and swept the audience with his gaze. “If you are content with the single life, then develop a deeper relationship with your God, who loves you. In fact, no matter which path one chooses—to marry or remain single—a connection to the Lord is vital.”
After the conclusion to the service, Sarah gazed at Christian. “That was a sermon your charges needed to hear, and so did mine.”
Nodding in agreement, Christian turned huge gray eyes to Sarah. “Isn’t God amazing? None of us had any idea as to what the minister would preach about today, and yet his sermon fits many.”
“To top it all off, my sadness disappeared. Our Father is too awesome for words.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Sarah planked herself on Beth’s roof, propped her chin in her hands, and peeked below as Maria knocked on Beth’s bedroom door.
“Señor Wingate here.”
“Thanks, Maria. Tell him I’ll be right down.” Beth finished blowing her hair dry, checked her appearance one last time, and walked downstairs to greet her guest.
