Romans 12:6-8 (New International Version)
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given
to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with
your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8
if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give
generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it
cheerfully.
Winter had shown its ugly head in Hammond. The wind
seemed to go right through the thickest coat. Kelsey hurried to June’s Place to
get out of the freezing cold. She remembered the first time she went to June’s
place and how she could not believe June ran the place by trust. In Nobel, it
would be unheard of.
Coming to Hammer was an eye-opening experience for
Kelsey. She immediately loved the small town and the closeness of community, so
unlike what she was used to. Her friend, Sarah brought her home from college to
meet her family and she fell in love with the place. Sarah wanted nothing more
than to move from Hammer while Kelsey wanted to stay. Now three years later,
she was still here and never tired of the community. Sarah had a job with a big
lawyer in Nobel and was so happy. Kelsey was happy for her but she knew would
never want to move to a city again.
Kelsey reached June’s and opened the door. A strong gust
of wind knocked the door out of her hand. She smiled, so much for going in
unnoticed.
Everyone looked up to see who was making all the noise.
Kelsey’s face red from the cold and even redder now. June smiled and motioned
her to come and sit. Kelsey almost ran to the table. She pulled out the chair
and almost missed it entirely when she turned to sit. That was all it took,
everyone got a big laugh out of that. Kelsey had to laugh. She shook her head
and said, “Now, that you all know I am here you may continue what you were
doing.” Another hearty laugh followed. Everyone went back to drinking coffee.
June laughed with Kelsey. “Hey, you must be in a big
hurry today.”
Kelsey shook her head. “No, I was just so very cold and
wanted to get inside to warm up. I did bring the yellow booties I made for
Jane’s baby. I wanted to get your opinion.”
June opened the box and lifted out the tiny booties. “Oh
Kelsey, they are precious. You really outdid yourself. I have the sweater and
cap done. This will be a wonderful gift for our new mother to be. With the
shower being this Sunday after church, we need to get together with the women
and see what they are serving. I am really excited about this shower.”
Kelsey smiled wide, “Oh yes, so am I. I just know that
Jane will be so excited.”
June shook her head as she spoke, “Do you think the ladies
will have everything done in three days?”
Kelsey laughed. “If not, they will make everyone believe
it is done. Think I shall walk over to the church and see if they could use
some help.”
“You go ahead Kelsey. I am going to invite Jane’s Mom to
church and the party afterward. The ladies may have forgotten to do this so I
will take care of it.”
Kelsey stopped. “June, do you think that is a good idea?
I mean her Mom is bitter and hateful since her husband took of ten years ago.”
“Yes little one, a very good idea indeed: Jane needs her
Mom’s support and her Mom needs to be there when her first grandchild is born.
Now be on your way and help the ladies at the church.”
Kelsey wondered if it was a good idea as she walked to
the church. She went inside and Mrs. Burns put her right to work. Kelsey never
thought anymore of Jane’s Mom for the women kept her busy. A few hours later,
they all stepped back to see how everything looked. A sigh of satisfaction came
forth from each of them. The hall looked great. After cleaning up the hall,
they all walked out of the church together. Kelsey listens as they talked and
talked. Yes, the job was finished.
Kelsey walked on as the women got into their cars and
waved goodbye. She went to her bookstore to get some picking up done. The first
year she opened the doors at the bookstore she wondered if she made a mistake.
She began to add unique little gifts more customers came in. She hired a high
school girl to help on the weekends. Everything was going well now.
Sunday came around quickly. A cold northwest wind was
wickedly cold as she walked to church. June had called and told her she would
meet her at church. The church was not large, another good reason Kelsey loved
it. The Pastor was a wonderful man with a small family of his own. He cared
about everyone and the congregation knew that.
The church was full. Kelsey looked around for June but
she was not there. She sat down in the back row and greeted some of the people.
A stirring in the church caused her to look back and walking in the door was
June with Jane and her Mother. The shock on people’s faces told the whole
story.
Kelsey moved over so they could sit with her. Jane gave
her a sweet smile. Her mother was obviously nervous; she sat down, putting her
head down.
Praise and worship was wonderful and the Spirit of God
filled the church. Pastor’s message was on love and it was a perfect message
for today. He gave an alter call for those who wanted to make Jesus their
Savior. Jane was crying hard as she walked to the front of the church. Her
Mother followed close behind. The angels in heaven were rejoicing. The church
was rejoicing. What a wonderful service this was. Tears ran freely. What a
blessing!
The service ended. Pastor talked with Jane and her Mom as
they both cried freely. Jesus was now their Savior and they knew He loved them.
The Baby shower was to start in an hour so Kelsey, Jane
and May went into the fellowship hall. June hugged both of them. In no time the
hall and the shower started. Jane received so many wonderful things for her
baby. She was touched. A man walked over to June and talked to her. She nodded.
Two men walked in with a wooden baby cradle. It was
beautiful. They said that they felt led to do this for Jane and they did it. Jane
still crying could only nod saying thank you.
The pastor prayed and all started to eat the goodies.
June noticed Jane bending over and holding her side. She
walked over to her, asking everything was all right. Jane shook her head. “No,
June, I have bad pain in my stomach. Is something wrong with my baby?”
“No, Jane, your baby has decided to come and introduce
himself today. We need to get you to the hospital.”
Everyone was excited as Jane and May left for the
hospital. June and Kelsey followed in their car.
After 5 hours, Jane had a baby boy; he weighed 6 lb. 7
oz. Both mother and son were all right and grandma, she was smiling and crying
at the same time. Jane named her son, Peter James Wright.
Kelsey and June left the hospital. They went to June’s
place and made a pot of coffee.
Kelsey looked at June and said, “Can you believe all that
has happened today? This has been a glorious day. I have no doubt that Jane,
Peter, and May will be just fine.”
Dear Lord we thank You that You have a plan. We pray that
we would each do our part with the gifts You have given each of us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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