Christmas Treasures (9781101558720)

by Kinkade, Thomas; Spencer, Katherine

  “Earlier this week Tucker Tulley told me that the congregation is considering calling me to be your full-time minister. When Tucker gave me this news I was . . . overwhelmed,” she said honestly. “Any minister would be truly blessed to serve here and call this church their own. At the same time, I’ve also been offered a position in a mission in Nicaragua, continuing the service I was involved in before coming here. This was a spot that I applied for long before I’d ever heard of Cape Light. Now I wonder if I would have applied for it, had I first come here.

  “But the Lord moves in mysterious ways and presented me with a difficult choice. A very difficult choice.”

  She paused. The sanctuary was utterly quiet, and faces stared back at her expectantly.

  “Over the past few days, I’ve carefully considered this invitation and prayed for God’s help and guidance. I’ve also sought counsel from a very wise man. Not one of the Magi,” she quipped, “but very wise, nonetheless.” She smiled at Reverend Ben, and he smiled back. Most everyone could guess whom she was talking about.

  “I think I do have the answer and want to share it with you all now. At this time in my life, I don’t think this church is the right place for me as a minister, despite the fact that I already feel a part of this place, as well as the many, many other reasons I would want to stay here.

  “Like the three wise men, I’ve come to see that my personal journey must take me someplace else at this time. I feel that the best and most meaningful way to offer my gifts to the world—my abilities and experience as a minister—are in a different setting, in the type of mission work I was called to do five years ago. I feel I must go where I’m needed most, and where I can best serve.

  “That’s why I must respectfully—and gratefully—decline this wonderful invitation. I have been very torn by the choice, and it has been an extremely hard question to sort out. There’s no question that part of me wishes I could stay here with all of you. I’ll always remember the time I’ve spent in Cape Light and cherish the wonderful connections I’ve made here.”

  Isabel looked around. She didn’t know what else to say. She hadn’t really planned her speech, but as the service ended, she felt it was the right time to tell everyone, while they were all in one place. It didn’t seem fair to let the entire Christmas week go by with so many under the false impression she was considering the idea of staying.

  Also, once she had truly decided, a large part of her just wanted to get it over with. She had made her decision late last night, after her visit to Reverend Ben and after a long talk with her oldest brother, who seemed to know her better than she knew herself sometimes.

  Now that the hardest part was over, she really felt she had made the right choice. She would miss all these lovely people and this beautiful place. But she knew in her heart that she belonged elsewhere. She had to go where she was needed most.

  Tucker was the first to respond. He stood up from his seat and smiled sadly at her. “I know it’s not fair to say, but I feel as if we’ve lost two great ministers now. One right after the other.”

  Sam Morgan spoke next. “Reverend Isabel, I guess you’ve made up your mind. But we appreciate the time you’ve spent with us and all you’ve done for the congregation these past few weeks. When will you go?”

  “I’m not sure,” she said honestly. “They can use me there right away. But I promise to stay until you find a new temporary minister.”

  She could see that most in the congregation were not happy to hear that. They didn’t want a temporary minister; they wanted a permanent one and were disappointed that it wouldn’t be her.

  While considering what else she could say to soothe them, her gaze fell on Reverend Ben. He was not looking at her, but down at his hands, which were clasped together near his knees. She couldn’t tell if he was praying or not. But it did seem as if he was thinking very deeply about something. Something of great concern.

  “‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose,’” Isabel said suddenly, quoting the book of Romans. She gazed around. “I know that’s not part of the traditional Christmas Scripture readings, but it seems very appropriate to me at this moment.” She couldn’t hold back a smile. “I think I know of the perfect replacement for me. I think he’s sitting right in this room.”

  She stared at Reverend Ben, waiting for him to look up at her. Finally, he did.

  “Reverend Ben, would you be willing to come back from your retirement to help this congregation?” she asked quietly.

  He looked shocked at first, but in the blink of an eye, very pleased. Isabel had guessed that he would be. While talking last night and even once or twice before that, she had gotten the sense that he was not entirely settled with his plan to retire and felt some regrets. Now the look on his face and the gleam in his eyes confirmed it.

  He stood up and smoothed down his tie and jacket. “I’d be happy to step in, if the congregation wants me,” he replied evenly. He looked around at all of them. As far as Isabel could tell, they were about to break out in cheers. Or at least some thundering applause.

  “Reverend Ben, are you really able to come back so soon?” Grace Hegman asked.

  “Yes. I could start part-time at first. But my doctor tells me I really am just about fully recovered.”

  At that, Sophie Potter did stand up and clap her hands. “What a wonderful solution—an answer to our prayers!”

  Other voices joined hers with the same joyful note of approval.

  “Reverend Ben, we appreciate your offer to fill the gap. But would you ever consider putting off your retirement and coming back for real?” Tucker asked hopefully.

  Isabel saw the look of alarm on Carolyn’s face and saw her tug on her husband’s sleeve. Ben looked down at his wife a moment and patted her shoulder. Then he looked back at the head deacon and the rest of the congregation. Isabel thought you could hear a pin drop.

  “To be perfectly honest, Tucker, I would indeed. Sitting here this morning, enjoying this wonderful service, I was asking myself, Ben, why did you ever decide to retreat from this church? There’s so much good here . . . and much more work to do. And now you have all the energy, spirit, and passion to take another run at it. If only I could have a second chance, I said to myself . . . And now, by the grace of God, it seems I do.”

  Isabel was not surprised by his answer. She had seen his strength building week after week, and last night had wondered the same thing. He didn’t seem at all a man who was ready or even resigned to retiring.

  She also saw Carolyn listening attentively to her husband’s reply. Then she sat back and shook her head. Her eyes looked a little watery, but she was smiling, too. She and Ben would have plenty to talk about over the next few days, Isabel was sure, but they were so close and loving, she was just as sure they would work it all out.

  Everyone else seemed happily surprised at Reverend Ben’s answer. There was no question that this congregation would reinstate him in a heartbeat.

  Ben looked up at Isabel. “Reverend Isabel, you are clearly the answer to a prayer, arriving just in time to fill the breach when I fell ill, and also making me see that I am not quite ready to leave my post here, at least not as quickly as I thought.”

  Digger Hegman, the old fisherman, rose from his seat. “Now we all got the best surprise on Christmas morning we could ever have hoped for. Reverend Ben is our preacher again, and the good reverend has got his church back. If you ever doubt that the good Lord can work wonders, well, you sit back and remember this Christmas morning.”

  “Well said, Digger.” Reverend Isabel had to smile at the old man’s eloquence. “I’ll always remember this Christmas morning as one filled with miracles. Merry Christmas to everyone! May God bless you and keep you safe from all harm!”

  Isabel faced the congregation, happy and relieved. It had been difficult to turn down their invitation, but this last turn of events convinced her even more that she had made
the right choice. God had a plan for everyone, and perhaps by following her own deep calling, she had helped Ben to recognize and follow his.

  “Thank you, Digger. I do feel as if I’ve received a very unexpected gift this morning,” Reverend Ben said. “A true treasure.”

  Ben’s words were spoken from the heart, and as Carolyn reached up and squeezed his hand, he knew his wife fully understood the huge, impulsive U-turn he’d just made in both of their lives. Understood and accepted that this was what he needed to do right now. He could not have asked for a finer gift on Christmas than Carolyn’s understanding and his returning to minister to this beloved congregation. Only now, he valued his place in the lives and hearts of these good people more than ever.

  Closing his eyes a moment, he sent up a silent prayer. Thank you, God, from the bottom of my heart and soul. You truly know what is best for all of us.

  The sanctuary soon emptied. Isabel took her post just past the big wooden doors to exchange a word or two with those who wished to speak to her and wish them a joyful Christmas.

  Many of the church members she’d come to know best waited in line to greet her—Sophie Potter, Grace and Digger Hegman, her landlady, Vera Plante, the Tulleys, and Sam Morgan and his family. They all expressed regret that she was leaving Cape Light, but all wished her well and seemed to understand that her decision was the right one after all.

  “Personally, I hope Reverend Ben stays here for another twenty years,” Sam said. “But when he does decide to really retire, maybe you’ll reconsider stepping in as our minister?”

  “Oh, I certainly will,” Isabel promised sincerely. “Please keep me posted.”

  “We’ll all stay in touch with you, Reverend,” Jessica Morgan promised. “We want to know everything you’re doing, and I hope our church can support your new ministry in some way. Maybe the church school or the youth group can raise funds or collect supplies in the new year. We could partner with you in some way.”

  “What a wonderful thought. That would be terrific.” The generous offer took Isabel by surprise. But then again, not from this group of generous souls. There were no hard feelings here, which was a great relief to her.

  When Reverend Ben stepped up, he simply gave her a hug. “You surprised me this morning, Reverend. I was almost certain you would decide to stay.”

  “You surprised me, Reverend,” she answered with a laugh. “But it seems like we were working together in some way, too.”

  “In some mysterious way, yes, it does,” he agreed with a sparkle in his blue eyes. “Will we see you later at Rachel’s?”

  “I’m sorry, I’m still not sure,” she said honestly. “But I’ll decide before I leave church and let her know.”

  Ben and Carolyn had already invited Isabel to their family gathering at Rachel’s house. She had so many invitations for the day, she wasn’t sure yet where she would go. Perhaps she would just spend a quiet day on her own. Preparing for Christmas had been hard work, and with this big decision on top of it, she had hardly gotten any sleep. Having a quiet, restful day wouldn’t be the worst thing, she thought.

  “We understand. Whatever suits you. We’ll be there all day, if you just want to drop in for dessert.”

  “I appreciate that, Ben. Merry Christmas,” she said, hugging him again. Then she hugged Carolyn, who stood next in line, and exchanged more good wishes.

  The line finally dwindled, and the sanctuary was practically empty. Isabel saw only a few deacons left, collecting discarded programs and extinguishing candles. She was about to head for her office to change out of her robes when she spotted Max and Jacob walking toward her. Max held a brightly wrapped package, and Jacob’s offering was a wide, warm smile. Which was more than enough to remind her how much she liked him and how often his image had crossed her mind since their lunch together.

  “Merry Christmas, Reverend Isabel,” Jacob greeted her. “Max wanted to bring your Christmas gift—and see you lead a service.”

  “You picked a pretty good one,” she said with a laugh. “Lots of unscripted moments. It’s not always quite that entertaining.”

  “It was cool, seeing you up there in your robes and all,” Max said sincerely. “Here, I got this for you. Merry Christmas.”

  “Thank you, Max. That was so thoughtful of you,” she said sincerely. “But I won’t open it yet. I have a gift for you, too.”

  “You do?” He seemed surprised but pleased.

  “Of course I do. It’s right in my office. We should open them together,” she suggested.

  Isabel had not counted on seeing Max this morning at the service. But she had hoped for it, she had to admit. She had left his gift at the church, just in case.

  “Would you like to come to our house today?” Jacob asked. “You and Max can open your gifts by the tree, and you’re very welcome to stay for dinner. Unless you already have plans,” he quickly added.

  Isabel was thrown off balance by the invitation. Even more so, since it had come from Jacob. Max looked surprised, too, but he quickly endorsed his father’s offer.

  “Yeah, come over to our house,” he said. “My father made vegetable lasagna. Weird, right?”

  “Vegetable lasagna . . . Gee, that sounds really good. I’d love to join you,” she said. “What can I bring?”

  “You don’t need to bring a thing. We’re just happy to have you,” Jacob said.

  Max nodded happily, bouncing on the balls of his feet. “Thanks. I’m honored to be invited,” Isabel said honestly.

  Of all the invitations she had received, she couldn’t imagine a nicer way to spend the day.

  AFTER ALL THE SHOPPING AND WRAPPING AND PREPARATION AND ANTICIPATION, the day had gone by very quickly. That’s the way Christmas was supposed to be, Regina reminded herself. The way it used to be in their family, before they’d had their setbacks.

  They had started the day opening gifts. The kids had been delighted with all their presents; neither one had expected so many new things. Brian even got excited over his new ski jacket and waterproof gloves.

  It had been doubtful for a while the night before, but Richard had finally gotten the train set up and running, including the steam engine that made a toot-toot sound as it rattled past the crossing. Brian had been shocked at first by the sight, then practically jumped on the couch with excitement.

  “I guess that means you like it, right?” Richard asked sarcastically. But Regina could see that Brian’s reaction made up for all the tedious repairs and lost hours of sleep. All that and more.

  Church had been her idea, but the family didn’t seem to mind once she managed to pull them away from their piles of presents. Madeline was happy for any excuse to wear her new boots.

  Back at home, Regina served a big dinner in the afternoon, and spoke to her parents on the phone. Her parents had a lot of questions about the house and wanted to come visit New England once the weather improved. Regina had to put them off politely, because the future months still seemed unclear. But she was happy to report that the house was coming along and looked so much better now than when they had first moved in.

  By the time the evening came, the kids were tired and ready to go upstairs earlier than usual. Brian claimed he had to rest up for tomorrow’s skating. The Morgans had stopped them after church and invited them to their house for a skating party the day after Christmas. They had a big pond on their property and held a skating party every year. Apparently half the town would be there, and there would be a winter picnic and hot chocolate and a big bonfire. Of course, they accepted on the spot. Regina thought that even Richard seemed excited about the get-together. Regina had not been up on a pair of skates for decades, but knew she’d have a good time just standing on the sidelines with Jessica and Molly, watching everyone.

  She was still cleaning up the kitchen and putting away leftovers when Richard walked in. He had been upstairs, settling Brian into bed. He brought in a platter from the dining room with a few telltale cookie crumbs left on the bottom.

>   “I hope we finished off the cookies today, Gina. I’m going to gain ten pounds if there are any more of those around the house.”

  “Just one more container. I’ll bring them over to the Morgans’ tomorrow,” she offered.

  “Good idea, though you might want to leave one or two for the kids. Let them down slowly,” he advised. “They had a good Christmas,” he added. “A great Christmas, I’d say.”

  “Yes, I think we all did,” Regina agreed, turning to him.

  He stared at her, his look suddenly intent. A million feelings seemed to flash across his face, yet she couldn’t really say she knew what he was thinking.

  “We did a good job, Gina. I didn’t think we could pull it together. You know me; I get so doubtful sometimes. I get in my own way,” he admitted.

  She was surprised by this rare admission. “We all get that way sometimes,” she said. “It’s understandable, especially after the things you’ve been through.”

  “Not you. You just keep going down the track. The Little Engine That Could,” he teased her.

  She smiled and felt her cheeks get warm at the nickname.

  “That’s not entirely true, but thanks.”

  “Sure it’s true. You never get discouraged. You never give up hope, no matter what. Sometimes I’ve thought you were just hopelessly naive or just not willing to face reality. But I can see now I was wrong. I never wanted to move here, I never thought it would work out,” he said frankly. “I think I just went along to prove something—to finally hit bottom so I could give up and say, ‘See, I tried. I went the limit.’ And also because there didn’t seem to be anything else to do,” he admitted.

  She sighed. “Yes, I know that.”

  “But I wasn’t looking at things the right way, the way you were—trying to see just a little bit of possibility, a seed, to build on. You proved me wrong. And I’m glad you did,” he added. “I’m sorry now for the way I acted, pulling in the opposite direction so much of the time when you were trying so hard to make things better. I know I made it even harder for you. But I was just so . . . so angry at the way things worked out. At the way I failed you and the kids. Angry at myself, really, though I know it didn’t seem that way. It seemed like I was mad at you,” he admitted. “I’m so, so sorry for that, Regina. Honestly.”