by Sarah Thorn
“Yes, I can hear it.” Sarah closed her eyes. “Yes, that really is wonderful.” Sarah was not being sarcastic but genuinely loved the sounds. She felt a sense of peace come over, one that she had not felt for a long time. She smiled, hoping that it was too dark for Ezekiel to see.
“Sarah, I hope you are not beginning to get your first taste of joy,” said Ezekiel jokingly. “Come, we must continue ahead. We cannot stay here.
“I thought this is what you…” Ezekiel grabbed her hand and dragged Sarah along. He started to run faster than before and with all of the trees Sarah could not keep up unless she held tight to Ezekiel and trusted that he knew the way. He kept a steady speed for a while and Sarah felt like there was no way that she could continue. Then he slowed down and then stopped.
“Are we there yet,” asked Sarah as she tried to catch her breath.
“We have reached the creek. We must cross here to get to our destination. But we must be quick, for we don’t have much time.”
Time for what? Sarah couldn’t imagine what they could possibly be late for. Was he anxious to show her a midnight barn raising?
“The only way to cross is on those stones in the creek. You can’t see them very easily, but I know exactly where they are and will be able to guide you,” explained Ezekiel. I will go over first, and then you will come after.
Ezekiel looked for the familiar spot that he crossed. He found it immediately and then readied himself to jump. It was not a long leap, but it was a bit more than a stop. He landed securely with perfect balance.
“See there is nothing to it,” he said with a hint of glee in his voice. He readied himself for the next jump and again landed securely without losing his balance at all. Sarah was impressed. “There is only one more stone that I have to land on. It is close to the other side, and from there I can just step to dry land. The last jump is the hardest though.”
Ezekiel made sure that he was secure, and then got ready to jump. He pushed off harder this time, and landed on the third stone. But this time he wobbled a little bit before regaining his balance.
“See that last one is tough. I almost fell in.” Ezekiel stepped to the other side of the creek. “Now it is your turn.”
“I don’t know if I can do this,” said Sarah. “I will fall into the water, and it is freezing cold. There is no way I can do this.”
“Yes you can,” said Ezekiel, trying to assure her. “Just have faith. Remember you have to experience it. Now is your chance. Trust me.”
Have faith. But what does this have to do with God? Sarah determined that she would try to make it across. Ezekiel had been true so far. She would trust him. The first stone was barely visible in the darkness, and Sarah felt that she would barely be able to make it. She crouched down to make the jump. She sprang into the air and then to her relief felt the solid stone beneath her feet. She had successfully made the first jump.
“Great job, Sarah. This next one is easier,” said Ezekiel, cheering her on.
Sarah readied herself and made the jump. This time with more confidence than before. She landed securely on the stone. “Look at me, I am doing it.”
“You are Sarah, you are doing a great job. Now this last jump is the hardest and it might look like it is impossible for you right now. But I am over here and I will catch you if you are going to fall off. You just have to trust me that I won’t let you get hurt,” said Ezekiel.
“Okay, I am going to make the jump.” Sarah crouched down and this time pushed down with all of her might. She closed her eyes when she was in the air for fear of seeing the ice cold water below. She would rather hit it without seeing it coming. She felt the hard rock beneath her feet, but she struck it with so much force that she couldn’t keep her balance. Sarah opened her eyes and saw nothing but the trees swirling around her. She was going to fall. Then, right before she fell completely off of the rock, she felt Ezekiel catch her in his strong arms.
“I told you I wouldn’t let anything happen to you,” he said. “You did really great Sarah.”
Sarah regained her focus and looked up and saw Ezekiel looking down at her. For a moment she was transfixed by his gaze but then the moment was over.
“But, now we must go again. We don’t have much time,” said Ezekiel as he stood Sarah upright and then headed off into the woods. I thought this is what he wanted to show me. I guess not.
Sarah tried to keep up, but Ezekiel darted through the trees with skill and dexterity. he made sure that she wasn’t too far behind though.
“We are almost there,” yelled Ezekiel with more excitement in his voice than Sarah had ever heard before. “Just past these trees, and then...you will see.”
Sarah sprinted as fast as she could. Ezekiel was so excited that it was rubbing off on her. He must have something good in store for her. When she got past the trees and came out of the woods, she saw Ezekiel standing still. She stopped, and then walked to his side.
They were standing on top of a hill that overlooked a valley that stretched to the horizon.
“Look at that view, Sarah. Look into the sky. Look at the stars.”
Sarah looked up and saw more stars than she had ever seen in her entire life. There was no pollution to hide or obstruct them as they shown through the crystal night sky. They seemed so close that Sarah felt like she could reach up and grab a handful of them. She wished she could take some back to her father and show him.
“Look at the horizon Sarah, we are just in time.”
Sunlight crept over the top of the mountains in the distance as the sun began its journey. Sarah felt wonderment, as she had never seen anything quite so beautiful before in her entire life.
“watch as the orange hued rays kiss the skyline,” said Ezekiel. “The light will slowly creep over the valley. Watch as the flowers turn to face it as it greets them. Listen as the birds begin to sing as the sun ascends over the horizon. Feel the energy of the woods as the animals come alive all around us. This is the glory that each new day brings. Feel the sunshine kiss on your skin as it banishes the cold of night.”
Sarah did feel all that Ezekiel had said. She wondered how he had come to speak so poetically about the sunrise. She looked straight into the sun as it was not bright enough yet to hurt her eyes. It was beautiful.
“So this is what you wanted to show me?” Asked Sarah.
“Yes,” said Ezekiel.
“It is beautiful,” continued Sarah. “But what does this have to do with faith,” she asked.
“You really are clever, Sarah,” said Ezekiel. “The reason I brought you here is because you said that you could not have faith in a God that would allow suffering and your mother to die. Well I say how could you not have faith in a God that created something so wonderful as this sunrise.”
It made sense to Sarah. It didn’t answer a lot of questions, but it made sense. And it resonated with her.
“Sarah, there is a lot that we cannot know. I don’t know why your mother died. I don’t know why anything bad happens in this world. But I also don’t know why anything good happens either. So should I focus on being angry about the bad? Or should I focus on being grateful and happy for the good? You are a smart girl Sarah. You tell me which is more logical.”
Sarah nodded her head slightly, almost imperceptibly. She knew deep down that Ezekiel was right, that there was no good reason that she should focus on the evil and not the good. She was standing next to a wonderful guy that had shown her something amazing, and taught her something even better. She was with a family that loved her and would always be there for her. Her father was becoming a changed man and finding happiness. What did she have to be mad about anyway? Maybe this was God’s way of working things out for good?
“I think that we both know the answer to that,” said Sarah with a smile.
Ezekiel didn’t say anything. He didn’t have to.
They stood and watched the sunrise for a while longer, making sure to soak in every moment. Ezekiel reached for her hand. It caught Sara
h off guard. But he had been holding her hand all night, guiding her through the woods. It felt good she admitted to herself. She laughed to herself. A few days ago she hated everything to do with the Amish. Now she was holding hands with one of their own.
“We must go back now,” said Ezekiel. We need to make it back for breakfast and our chores. We wouldn’t want to miss any of that now would we.”
*****
it was light out now, and Sarah could see her way through the trees much easier. her feet felt light as she still energized from the beauty of the sunrise. It was as if she was gliding through the forest. Ezekiel helped her across the creek and made sure she didn’t fall. He made sure that her every step was in its proper place, and something told her that he would always look out for her.
When they got out of the woods on the other side, Sarah saw the house again. But this time it didn’t look old and primitive and devoid of luxuries. This time it looked cute and charming and rustic and beautiful. She wondered if this is how the Amish see everything. The grass seemed to tickle her legs as she ran. They got to the house just as breakfast was starting.
“Where were you guys?” Asked Isaiah.
“I was showing Sarah the sunrise. You know at the spot that you used to take me when i was younger,” explained Ezekiel.
Isaiah gave a knowing nod. He looked at Sarah and could see that her temperament had changed. She looked happy, as if there was as glow about her. “And is that the case?” He asked Sarah.
“Why, yes, of course. Your son actually showed me a lot. In a way, he opened my eyes for the first time.” Sarah was emphatic.
Isaiah believed her and looked at her as if to say that he understood exactly what it felt like to have your eyes opened. Sarah looked at her father. He seemed delighted to see her and in a better mood than she was used to out of him.
“Well now that we are all here, let’s dig in,” said Rebekah.
Sarah heartily agreed, as she was very hungry after the long morning. After breakfast, they did their chores just like they had the past two days. The chores seemed easy with her newfound joy and perspective. She talked with Ezekiel and grew closer to him. He was like a best friend to her. But a great looking best friend that she never wanted to be apart from again. When they were finished with everything, they began to head back to the house.
“Ezekiel, I have a question for you,” asked Sarah nervously. “Do the Amish date, and if so how?”
Ezekiel laughed. “How do you think that we get married and have kids. We date, but we don’t do it the exact same way that you are used to.”
“Oh interesting,” said Sarah.
“Why do you ask,” replied Ezekiel.
“Oh no reason,” Sarah felt for sure that she was coming across as ridiculous.
“You are asking because you want to date me, aren’t you Sarah. I can see it on your face. And and I can hear it in the way you talk.” Ezekiel laughed.
“Why do you laugh at that idea. Even if it were true it wouldn’t be funny.”
“You are right,” Ezekiel calmed himself down. “But, to clear up any of the tension, let me ask you Sarah if you would do the honor of allowing me to court you. Not date you. But court you. That is what we Amish call it.”
Sarah looked relieved and thrilled. “Of course. I would love that. But how do we court? I wouldn’t know the first thing to do?”
“We have a way of doing it that you are going to get a kick out of. Most outsiders think it is the strangest practice. But it actually makes a lot of sense. I have never done it myself. But it sounds pretty awesome. Well, awesome if you are with the right person of course.”
“Oh and what is this method for courting?” Asked Sarah.
“Sarah, again, you are going to have to trust me. I will ask father about this.” Ezekiel looked eager. “I will ask now. Let’s go inside. We can start tonight.”
Sarah was confused, but decided to trust Ezekiel. “One thing, before we can court though.”
“Anything,” replied Ezekiel.
“It is not anything that you need to do. It is something that I have to do. There is a lot of enmity between my father and I. I wouldn’t feel right about starting something between us if there is so much negativity in my life. It wouldn’t be fair to you Ezekiel. You deserve the very best from me.”
“I understand,” replied Ezekiel. “And I think that is very noble of you. How about I talk to my father and you talk to yours. You can ask him if he thinks it is alright for us to court as well.”
Sarah went into the house. her father was already finished with his chores for the day and was sitting at the table reading a Bible. She was surprised, but also happy for him. Her father really was a changed man, and that would make it much easier to forgive him.
“Father, can I speak to you really quick about something,” said Sarah.
“Yes, of course honey, you can talk to me about anything, you know that,” he replied. Sarah couldn’t remember the last time that they spoke to each other so respectfully.
“Remember the other night when you asked for my forgiveness. You said that you needed to hear is so that the burden of guilt would be lifted off of you. Well the reason I couldn’t give my forgiveness last night was because of me, not you. Something happened to me today, and I feel changed. I feel that I can forgive you, and I do forgive you.”
“Oh Sarah,” said her father as tears welled up in his eyes. “I have longed to be at peace with you again for a long time. You have no idea how much I love you. You are my daughter and you mean so much to me. I will be a better father. I promise.”
“I know you will,” said Sarah. She hugged him. They embraced for what felt like a long time. Then Sarah remembered the second question she wanted to ask him. “Can I court Ezekiel?”
Her father looked surprised. “You want to court Ezekiel?” he exclaimed.
“is that a question...or what,” asked Sarah.
“It is shock and an answer to prayer. What father wouldn’t want their daughter to end up with someone like Ezekiel.”
“So is that a yes?”
“It is indeed,” said her father. Sarah hugged him again. Then she rushed to tell Ezekiel the good news.
*****
Sarah knew that she would be courting Ezekiel that night. Isaiah had approved it and her father had approved it. But she still didn’t know what it meant. After dinner Rebekah lead Sarah and Ezekiel into a special room. “This is the courting room. The bed has a bundling board in the middle of it. That is there to make sure that you do not touch each other. You may stay up all night talking. But you must keep your clothes on and not touch,” explained Rebekah.
Sarah jumped into the right side of the bed and quickly got under the covers. She was too excited to contain herself. She noticed that she felt light, not burdened with guilt. Forgiving her father had liberated her. And so did Ezekiel’s interest in her. The idea of staying up all night and talking to him was too much for her to handle. He got into bed. The bundling board was only about a food high. They couldn’t see over it, but they could easily communicate.
“Are you comfortable,” asked Ezekiel.
“Yes, I am comfortable,” replied Sarah. “And I have a surprise for you.”
“Oh now you are coming up with surprises.” Ezekiel sounded excited. “I can’t wait.”
“Well, unlike you, I won’t make you wait.” Sarah passed one of the earbuds over the bundling board. “Here, you listen with on ear, and I can listen to the other one. It is almost out of battery. I told myself that I would only use it for special occasions. I used it on the first night, because that was the worst night of my life. And now I am using it tonight, the best night of my life. Funny how that worked out”
Ezekiel knew how to put an earbud in from his rumspringa days. “What are we going to listen to?” He asked.
“You will see.” Sarah turned on the music and the hymn began to play. It was “Amazing Grace.” They listened until the song was over. Then they
talked more about life and the farm and about God and what they hoped for the future. After they were tired and done talking they each put an earbud back in and listened to the hymn, on repeat, until they fell asleep.
*****
THE END
A Hard Choice – An Amish Romance
Mary had just finished her chores for the evening and walked back to her house. Her sister, Ruth, was playing in the front yard, running around and chasing butterflies. Mary admired her carefree nature, without a thought for tomorrow, unfettered by the concerns of the world. That was how it used to be for Mary as a child, for everyone really. But growing up is a necessary part of life, and with it comes responsibilities. Not that Mary’s life was altogether horrible. But when she watched her sister, she definitely knew she missed the days of blithe unconcern about the world, where the only responsibility is to have as much fun as possible.
In truth, Mary’s life had only become encumbered by responsibility recently. Her father had died of a heart attack not long ago, leaving her and her mother in charge of the house, the farm, and the rest of the children. It meant that she had to grow up fast. Mary had faith in God, but the struggles that she had gone through made her feel distant from Him at times. It was hard for her to talk about it with anybody. She especially didn’t want to talk about it with Samuel, the love of her life.
He was as respectful and as good as a boy could be. He was only a few years older than her, and the way Mary saw, likely to propose soon. She had known him her whole life. And this to this day he kept gifts that she had given him when they were children. Such a romantic. But she feared talking to him about her pain and responsibility would be too much to put on him, for he had fallen in love with the happy carefree girl that she once was, the one she pretended to still be.
“Help me with supper, Mary,” yelled her mama, Deborah. “Don’t worry we are making something simple. I know how hard you are working now. How hard we all have to work.” Her mother looked wistfully out the window and onto the farmland, as if wondering how it would be possible to reap the fields before the harvest. She shook her head.
