“Ruthie, do you believe the words of Jesus? That he was sent to heal the brokenhearted?”
She shrugged. “I’m not sure. I don’t know much about the Bible.”
“The Bible is God’s love letter to mankind. Israel were God’s chosen people. He loved them and pursued them, but they kept turning away from Him.
“God had said to Israel that He would turn their mourning into joy, that He would comfort them and make them rejoice in their sorrow. But they needed to turn to Him, to depend on Him for their every need. I believe He wants to do that for you too, but you’ll need to trust Him with all your heart.”
“I’m not sure if I know or understand how to do that,” she said.
Bo loved and appreciated Ruthie’s honesty.
“Ruthie, I can tell by what I’ve seen and heard of you so far that you have a pure heart, that you care for others, that you put others’ needs above your own. And I find that admirable. But even the kindest person still has a huge obstacle to overcome when it comes to a relationship with God. And that obstacle is sin.”
“Sin?”
“That’s right. It’s our sin that separates us from God. When Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood, He did it so our sins could be washed away. On the third day, He arose from the grave, proving that He had indeed conquered sin and death and hell.”
She frowned. “Why?”
“Well, when God made man, His plan was to have a relationship that lasted forever. When man sinned, he erected a wall of separation between mankind and God. And that sin was what brought death into the world. Before sin, there was no death, no pain, no suffering. The only way to purge that sin was through the shedding of blood. But for sin to be pardoned forever, the sacrifice had to be perfect in every way.
“That sacrifice was Jesus. He chose to come down to earth and give His life for you and me. He knew, that if He did this, it would be a grave sacrifice on His part. Can you imagine coming down from Heaven—a place of total peace and joy and happiness, where there is no pain or sorrow or death—to this crazy world where people are filled with hate and are killing each other? And knowing all of that and that you would be tortured and killed after you’ve lived a completely sinless, selfless life… It hurts my heart to even think of the anguish He must’ve gone through for my sake.”
“Wow. I…I never realized that that’s who Jesus was and why He died on the cross. I mean, I’d heard of it, but the way you just explained it—it makes more sense now. I still don’t fully understand why, though.”
“That part is simple. He loves us and He wanted to make a way for us to live forever with Him in Heaven. It is not His will that any go to hell. The way to Heaven is free. All we have to do for our part is believe.”
“Just believe?”
“Here’s one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible. Listen closely.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
“So those who don’t believe are condemned? Does that mean they go to hell?”
“As far as I understand it. But God is not unrighteous in this.” Bo shook his head. “God made a way for every man, woman, and child to be saved. And that way cost Him His precious Son. Can you imagine offering your own child and seeing what that child endured, only for people to reject your gift? I know, I can’t. God made salvation so simple, one would be foolish to reject what He’s offered freely.”
“I would like to receive His gift, to accept His offer. What do I need to do? Do I pray?”
“You may, if you’d like. God already sees your heart. He reads your thoughts. He knows everything about you. Just talk to Him as if He’s standing right here in our midst, because in actuality, He is.”
She looked around. “He is?”
He smiled. “You cannot see Him. The Bible says that when two or three are gathered in His name, that He is in their midst.”
~
Ruth had never heard these things all her life. Could what Bo was saying actually be true?
“Okay, wow. Then I guess I’ll…” She bowed her head and took a deep cleansing breath. “God…”
Her tears began to flow and she couldn’t speak for several seconds. “Thank you so much for what You’ve done, for what Jesus did for me. I can’t even imagine… Please, I want to have everlasting life with You. I want this joy that Bo has. I believe in what You’ve done. I want Your gift. Thank you, Lord.”
She looked up and again saw something in Bo’s eyes. Goodness, perhaps?
“Thank you so much for sharing that with me.”
He smiled. “There’s nothing more pleasurable than sharing God’s love with another human being. I’ll never tire of it.”
A clock alerted them to the time.
“I’d better go. Naomi will wonder where I’ve been. I don’t want her to worry.”
“Did you drive today? If not, I could give you a ride.”
“I brought the pony cart, but thank you for offering, Bo.” She didn’t think she’d ever met a more considerate man.
“Will I see you at meeting on Sunday, then?”
“I should be there. I’m a little nervous, though. It’ll be my first time.”
“Ever?”
She nodded.
“Has Naomi prepared you at all? Do you know what to expect?”
“Not really.”
“How much do you know about it?”
“Not much. Just that it will probably be in a different language and I won’t understand.”
“Did she tell you how long it lasts?”
“No.”
“It’s about three hours or so, depending on whether they have business to discuss or not or if it’s a special meeting.”
“Three hours?” Her eyes bulged.
He chuckled. “Jah, I realize that it’s not the Amish way to just sit around and do nothing. But it is the day of rest. And there is always the common meal afterwards.”
“She did tell me about that. I’m glad she’ll be there with me to guide me.”
“I’m sure she will.” Bo smiled. “Did she tell you that the men and women sit on opposite sides of the room?”
“She may have mentioned that.”
“And the singing is quite different to folks who have never experienced an Amish meeting.”
“Like how?”
“Well, you’ve heard songs on the radio, right?”
“Thousands.”
“They’re nothing like that.”
“Will you sing one for me?”
He chuckled. “I don’t think I’m that brave. Besides, it would take about twenty or thirty minutes.”
“For one song?”
He nodded.
“No wonder the church service lasts three hours!”
“The songs are in German and there are no notes to follow along with in the Ausbund. The tunes have been handed down for generations, so don’t be surprised if folks sing a little off-key.” His laugh was easy.
“The Ausbund?”
“The Amish hymn book.”
“Yikes. So, the whole thing will be pretty foreign to me, I’m guessing.”
“Probably. But you’ll survive.”
“Would it be frowned upon if I brought a notebook and pen and took notes?”
He grimaced.
“I’ll take that as a yes. So, I’ll just bring my Bible then?”
He shook his head.
“No Bible, either?” Her eyes widened. “Is there anything else I should know before I make a fool out of myself?”
“Try not to fall asleep.” He chuckled.
“Have you ever?”
“I don�
��t think so, but there are some that do every service.”
“Really?”
The clock chimed again.
“Ach, you’d better go, Ruthie. Let me get that box of fruit for you and I’ll carry it out to your pony cart.”
“Thank you, Bo.”
TWENTY-SEVEN
“I’m nervous about attending the church meeting.” Ruth fastened the apron on her dress just before stepping out the door, remembering the first time she’d tried her Amish dress on for Mahlon. They’d sure gotten a laugh out of that. Oh, how she missed him. She’d always thought her first time visiting an Amish church would be with him.
Naomi placed their contribution for the common meal into the pony cart. Ruth was careful not to step on the box of canned corn between them on the floorboard.
“Nothing to be nervous about,” Naomi assured, taking the reins in her hands.
“I am a little more at ease since talking to Bo, though.”
Naomi’s brow quirked up. “You’ve been talking to Bo?”
“Yes. He’s a very kind man.”
“Jah, he is. It’s a shame he never married. Certainly a good catch for any maedel.” She kissed the air to propel the pony cart forward.
“Why do you suppose he never married?”
“Could be that his mother was Englisch.”
“What? I had no idea! But she converted to the Amish way?”
“Jah.”
A burst of excitement filled Ruth as she thought of Bo’s mother. Yet another thing they had in common. If Bo’s mother could convert from Englisch to Amish, surely she could too.
~
Just as Bo had said, the meeting had been lengthy. Glad to finally be off the hard wooden benches, Ruth now took a pitcher around to tables the men had set up, filling the men’s and older women’s drinking glasses with water. She carried a carafe of coffee in the other hand to serve their pleasure.
“Denki.”
Ruth glanced down at the possessor of the familiar masculine voice. She smiled. “Hi, Bo.”
“What did you think of the meeting?” A teasing smile graced his lips as though he could read her thoughts.
“It was…interesting.” She turned at the sound of Naomi’s voice calling. “I’d better go.”
She quickly attended Naomi’s side.
“You shouldn’t be talking with Bo like that,” Naomi whispered.
“What do you mean?”
“People will talk.”
Ruth frowned. “About?”
“We don’t want to get any rumors started. It is already well known that you’ve been gleaning in his field, and others have mentioned you going up to the house.”
“But I—”
“We’ll discuss this later—at home.” Ruth didn’t miss Naomi’s abrupt tone and pointed look, indicating the discussion was over for now.
“Okay.” Ruth nodded. She’d have to stay away from Bo if she wasn’t supposed to be talking to him. Who would have thought that just lingering an extra moment out of common courtesy would get tongues wagging?
TWENTY-EIGHT
A smile played on Bo’s lips as he spotted Ruthie in his field. She hadn’t been out there every day, but he suspected that was because she’d been busy at home helping Naomi. He didn’t doubt they spent hours canning the harvest like his mother used to.
She lifted a hand when she spotted him heading her way.
“It wonders me why you haven’t gone with the young folks. You are still at the age where you could find a husband if you were looking for one.”
She shrugged. “I’m content as I am. God already blessed me with a good husband and a good marriage. Even though I lost Mahlon, I’m still quite fortunate.”
He nodded. “Do you think God would only have you marry once?”
“I don’t know. If it is His will that I remarry, I pray that He will make it clear to me. I wouldn’t want to enter a marriage of my own accord. You know what I mean?”
“Jah, I do. You want to follow God’s plan for your life. That’s admirable, Ruthie. That is what I’ve always wanted too.”
“But God has never prompted you to marry?”
He shook his head. “I’ve never felt God leading me in that direction.”
“When did you get baptized, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“I was eighteen.”
“Did you have a difficult time of it?”
He frowned. “Difficult? What do you mean?”
“You know, learning the Articles of Confession and all that.”
“It wasn’t too bad.”
“Well, I am having a time of it. Not to mention, Naomi is trying to teach me Pennsylvania German. At this rate, I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready to join.”
His eyes widened. “You’re going to be baptized and become Amish?”
“I’m trying.” She blew out a breath. “It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be.”
“A little more difficult than becoming a child of God, right?” He smiled. “I could help, if you’d like.”
“Really?”
“I taught school for a few years when they didn’t have any qualified maed to do it. I really enjoyed it and I think the scholars liked me.” He chuckled.
“I think I can picture you as a teacher.” She smiled. “That would be great. But when would we find time?”
“You could stay an extra hour later every day or come an hour early. We’d study out on the porch for propriety’s sake, of course.”
~
“Where have you been?” Naomi’s voice seemed fraught with worry.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot to tell you yesterday. Bo offered to help me with studying for the baptismal classes.”
Her eyes widened. “He did?”
“Yes.” Ruth smiled.
After a moment of hesitant silence, Naomi took Ruth’s hands in hers. Ruth sensed her mother-in-law had something important to say. She couldn’t read the look in her eye, but knew she was intent on something.
“Do you like Bo?” Naomi asked.
“Jah, very much so. He’s been a wonderful friend.” She hesitated. “Why do you ask?”
“I don’t know why I didn’t see this before. I should have noticed.”
“Noticed what?”
“You and Bo. You are the one he’s been waiting for all these years. Don’t you see, Ruthie? It’s perfect. If Bo will marry you, we will have a place to live. We’ll have a man to care for us again. I won’t have to worry about your provision, should I pass on. And if the Lord wills, He will give you children.”
Ruth held up her hands. “Wait. You want Bo and me to get married? He’s like fifteen years older than I am. Wouldn’t that be frowned upon?”
“So you’re not opposed to the idea?”
“I…I don’t know. I guess I didn’t really think…”
“You like him, don’t you?”
Ruth nodded.
“And it’s plain to see that he’s taken with you. You two are a gut match, Ruthie.”
She wasn’t going to argue. She did care for Bo. And as absurd as Naomi’s suggestion was, it wasn’t an impossible proposition.
“I’m…I just don’t know what to say.”
Naomi beamed. “Let’s bake a pie. You can take it over to him tonight and the two of you can talk about marriage.”
“But—”
“There’s no ‘buts.’ Trust me, Ruthie. He will be thrilled with this idea.” She waved a hand in front of her face. “And don’t worry about your age difference. Many have gotten hitched with much more years in between. Besides, people will just say that Bo got lucky finding himself a younger fraa.”
Ruth sucked in a breath. “Oh, boy.”
TWENTY-NINE
Bo stepped out onto the porch to gaze up at the stars. The heavenly lights twinkled as they had each night, but the air seemed as though it took on a mesmeric aura of anticipation, of joy. He couldn’t put his finger on it exactly, but this night felt different somehow.
This night, like others, was beautiful indeed. The air was warm, yet held a crispness to it. Maybe he would sleep out on the porch tonight in his hammock. How long had it been since he’d done that?
He quickly fetched a blanket, then snuggled into his hammock. Falling asleep might be difficult since he felt so energized, but after several minutes he felt himself yielding to dreams in the night.
Were those footsteps he heard? He startled awake and rubbed the drowsiness from his eyes. They widened when he spotted Ruthie walking up the porch steps. Was he dreaming?
“Ruthie?” He sat up.
“I’m sorry it’s so late.” She seemed timid.
“Why are you here?” He glanced at her hands and noticed she was carrying something. “Is that a pie?”
She smiled. “Jah. From the fruit you gave us.”
She must’ve had something on her mind. Why else would she come here at this late hour? He hoped nothing was wrong.
He stood from the hammock. “Let me make some coffee and we can enjoy it with that pie.”
A few moments later, they sat out on the porch with coffee and pie in hand.
“Do you want to tell me why you came all the way over here tonight?” He raised a brow.
“I…hope you don’t mind.”
“No, not at all. I’m just…a little curious.”
She blew out a breath then twisted her kapp string between her fingers. Was she nervous? “This might sound strange and I’ll totally understand if you reject this idea…”
“Please, speak what’s on your heart.”
“When I returned home this evening, Naomi suggested something. At first, I thought the idea was crazy, you know? But the more I thought about it…” She swallowed. “Well, what do you think about us? About marrying me?”
He felt like his eyes might jump out of his head. Did she just say what he thought she said? Jah, he must be dreaming. He set his coffee down on the small table between them, lest it slip from his fingers. “You…you’d consider marrying me?”
“I know it seems sudden but—”
“Yes! A thousand times, yes.” If he’d ever felt a prompting—no, a downright confirmation—from the Lord, this was it. Hadn’t his soul been leading this direction since the day he’d met her? He’d felt this overwhelming urge to care for her, to protect her. She was kind and beautiful and beyond any dream he could conjure up.
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