by Steven Hunt
“The Truth has gifted you with a new day as you have become a new man. Be blessed.” She took his hands, helping him to his feet. “You have been given a tremendous present. Do not waste the opportunity.” As she withdrew her hands, she said, “You had better go now. The two hours you promised is almost over.”
“How? How did you know?” He shook his head. “Never mind. I should know by now that the Truth works in mysterious ways. But, how can the time be almost over? I only left my house less than thirty minutes ago.”
“Time flies swifter for the Truth. We have actually been here over an hour.”
Teddy’s first thought was to check his watch. He stopped when an image of Ezi’s smiling face popped into his mind, reminding him to have faith. Checking his watch would only confirm his lack of trust. He shoved his left hand deep into his pocket to avoid temptation.
“Your heart will seek me from time to time. I will be close.”
He bent down to her, throwing his arms around her. “Thank you, Christy,” he whispered. “Thank you for everything.”
“Hold the Truth in your heart, Teddy. There you will never lose us.”
****
Jane and Mandy waited for him on the porch. They had bundled themselves in parkas and blankets, standing vigil for his return.
As he walked up the porch steps, Mandy threw off her blanket, hurling herself at him. He caught her in a tight hug. “Is everything going to be OK?” she asked.
He nodded as Jane stepped to them. “Everything is dandy, sweet pea. Why don’t we go inside and get dressed for the Christmas Eve service?”
“Yeah!” Mandy exclaimed as she wriggled free of his grasp. “Pastor Joe is cool.” Teddy and Jane laughed as their daughter ran into the house.
“What’s gotten into her?” Teddy asked.
“We knew that bringing you home required Someone more powerful than the police so we went to Joseph for guidance. Each time we met with him, she acted rebellious and defiant. Angry.” A smile crested her lips. “That is until our last meeting.” She slid an arm around his waist, squeezing. “A wonderful change happened that day…to both of us. Now Pastor Joseph is her best friend.” She leaned up to him, kissing him on his cheek, before walking into the house.
Alone on the porch, Teddy faced the woods. Against the background of evergreen trees and white snow, he could just see a small white and pink shape standing guard at the edge of the tree line.
He was home.
He turned toward the door as an old Christmas song—one that held a new meaning for him—floated from his voice, “An-gels we have heard on high. Sweet-ly singing o’er the plains…”
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Harbourlight Books
The Beacon in Christian Fiction™
an imprint of Pelican Ventures Book Group
www.pelicanbookgroup.com
May God’s glory shine through
this inspirational work of fiction.
AMDG