Life, Libby, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Page 35
“Angus?”
“He’s a good guy. I met him the night of our filming at the church.”
I nodded. “You know you’ll have to change the name.”
“No way. It’s like you said. It’s a part of Seattle’s hidden treasure culture.”
I shook my head as though I was frustrated, but, of course, I was elated with how this had all evolved. God knew what he was doing.
“And my first act as new owner is this. Drumroll, Mr. Diddle.” Jude pointed to Mr. Diddle, who decided to tap out a beat with his new silver-and-orange shoes. His fingers were busy peeling back the transparent wrap on the cupcake. Jude removed a hardcover book from his pack and handed it to me.
I knew without looking at the title what it was. “Thank you.” I hugged him again.
Mr. Diddle cleared his throat. Jude piped up, “Okay, it’s from both of us.”
I hugged Mr. Diddle and he held on for a second. I knew that I’d been a lifeline for him as he had been one for me. He stepped back and patted me on the head as though I were four. Well, four with a driver’s license. “Where’s my limo?” he said.
“Just up the street. You can practice walking in your fancy new shoes with your fancy new pack.” I laughed and looked at Jude. “He’s in for a treat. I borrowed Pan’s old clunker.”
“Ah, the memories of our ride from the airport that day.”
Mr. Diddle picked up Nomad and nuzzled him before handing him over to Jude. “I’ll be back for you, my friend.” He patted his dog as he had patted my head seconds before. Affection was universal.
The airport security lines were short and Mr. Diddle was about to cross over into the land of travelers only. He looked back at me and waved.
I waved and called out, “Tell Aunt Maddie that Blaine and I will be there soon for a visit! We’ll see you then too, friend!”
“Friend!” The security officer motioned Mr. Diddle on through the gate. I watched him walk down the corridor and toward a Croatian sunset. Mr. Diddle, Marsha, and Rachel would use my itineraries before I did. But that made me feel good.
I left the airport through the automatic doors and walked to Pan’s car in the short-term parking lot. Once I got in, I pulled the book from my purse. Even with this different edition, my fingers went straight to my favorite section about Brother Lawrence:
Before he had experienced God’s swift help in his affairs, he had attempted to plan every detail, doing the job in his own strength. Now, though, acting with childlike simplicity in God’s sight, he did everything for the love of God, thanking Him for His guidance. Everything he did passed calmly, in a way that held him close to the loving presence of God.
The car ignition turned without any problem, and I was thankful. Purpose was taking me in a different direction than I had planned. I wasn’t even sure where I was headed, exactly. Nevertheless…it was a great feeling simply to get started.
About the Author
Hope Lyda has worked in publishing for more than ten years to help others shape their stories and messages. She is also the author of the popular One-Minute Prayers™ series in addition to several gift books, including Everything I Know I Learned from Home Improvement. Her books also include Hip to Be Square and Altar Call.
Her path to happiness is filled with travel, good books, journaling, and great coffee. When not living in her head, Hope resides with her husband, Marc, in Oregon.
Hope can be reached in care of:
Harvest House Publishers
990 Owen Loop North
Eugene, OR 97402
Or by email at:
HopeLyda@yahoo.com
www.HopeLyda.com
Other Books by Hope Lyda
Hip to Be Square
Watch Mari leap for her dreams.
See Mari fall for her reality.
Now what’s a girl to do?
At twenty-nine, Mari Hamilton couldn’t be further from her “by age thirty” goals. She works at the Golden Horizons Retirement Center instead of a luxury spa. She calls bingo numbers instead of eligible men.
Only an intervention from her peers—Angelica, Sadie, and Caitlin—can direct Mari toward an enviable twentysomething life complete with a resort career, a “talk of the town” style, and an unexpected romance. Her dreams are nearly in place.
Or are they?
A funny thing happens on Mari’s way to a life makeover. In the fray of crazy plans and faith lessons, the girl who avoids the unexpected may just discover the surprise of her life.
Altar Call
Sometimes life is about finding Mr. Right—
and sometimes…
it’s about doing the right thing.
As her friend Sade moves closer to the altar, Mari Hamilton makes a U-turn to her family’s youth shelter back in Washington, DC, leaving behind boyfriend, Beau, and gal pals Caitlin and Angelica (who predict this decision is either socially courageous or crazy). But with frequent flyer miles and determination, Mari keeps her long-distance relationships and friendships alive and is certain she has pulled off the impossible—made the status of “single woman living with parents” advantageous.
But when her past and present collide, this maid of honor must discover what she is made of. Will Mari take her own trip down the aisle, or will she risk it all? As she moves forward in faith, will she finally trust the heart God gives her?