Sunday he’d drag himself to church if he had to. Before leaving the hospital, he’d asked Rosa, who revealed she was a Christian, if she could recommend a church. Naturally, she mentioned the one where she attended. It turned out that Cedar Hill Christian Center was only a few miles from where he lived. In two days, do or die, I’ll be there .
***
Due to Bitsy escaping from the house and chasing a cat halfway across the neighborhood, Meredith was late to church the following Sunday. After parking, she hurried into the building constructed in the style of a rambling ranch house with lots of brick and windows of plain stained glass. About three hundred people attended on any given Sunday.
Inside the sanctuary there was a wooden altar flanked by large potted palms. Navy carpeting that ran wall-to-wall complemented rows of wooden pews cushioned with beige upholstery. A large wooden cross lit up by a concealed light source was the focal point of the room.
Meredith started attending two years ago but had yet to make many close contacts aside from Rosa, probably because she worked with her as well. She regretted not making more of an effort to become involved and connect with the members of the congregation.
She slipped into a back pew and closed her eyes for a moment. She had a monstrous headache that defied her regular OTC meds. Meredith let the swelling music from the worship team wash over her. The subsequent reduction of her stress level brought a smile to her face. No matter what Erin said, spirituality had a positive impact physically and she was living proof.
She thought again about David’s conversion. It was a true miracle, and regardless of her personal angst with him, she felt a deep sense of pleasure that he’d found the Lord. She had prayed for him long after he’d left. Now, she’d continue to do so. That much I can promise .
Throughout the remainder of the service, Meredith absorbed the peace and encouragement she felt. I need to make this a priority instead of being so haphazard. Do or die I’m going to start coming every Sunday morning .
After the closing benediction, she rose and spent several minutes visiting with those who sat around her. She spied Rosa far across the sanctuary, talking to a man. They turned toward her. Meredith let out a little gasp when she saw David. Rosa looped her arm through his and they began walking up the aisle together. David looked down on Rosa with one of his dimpled smiles.
Meredith gripped the back of the pew in front of her. What’s wrong with me? I’ve got to get a handle on myself!
“Meredith! There you are!”
She took a deep breath, keeping her expression bland as they approached. “Hi, Rosa. David.”
Rosa raised her brow at Meredith. “David was a little unsteady, so he’s letting me help him out.”
Glancing at David, she gave him a tight smile. “Did you enjoy the service?”
“Very much. And it helps knowing two lovely ladies such as you will be my fellow parishioners.”
The blessing she’d received from the service seemed to fade away. All she wanted now was to escape. “Well! My bed is calling to me. I’ll see you later.”
Before either could respond, Meredith turned and threaded her way through the crowd. She didn’t relax until she made it to the safety of her home. From there she hurriedly undressed and crawled into bed. Squeezing her eyes shut, she tried to shut out images of David and Rosa as a couple.
She failed.
***
The following Tuesday, Meredith received a call asking her for an interview for the Peds position she’d applied for. With anticipation, she showered and dressed, wondering how her life might change should she get the job.
The interview lasted nearly an hour. Meredith made her way home feeling very confident. She was told she’d hear back in a month or so with the decision.
Clay called and asked her out to dinner. After a moment of mental wrangling, she agreed. Why shouldn’t I go out with
***
Due to Bitsy escaping from the house and chasing a cat halfway across the neighborhood, Meredith was late to church the following Sunday. After parking, she hurried into the building constructed in the style of a rambling ranch house with lots of brick and windows of plain stained glass. About three hundred people attended on any given Sunday.
Inside the sanctuary there was a wooden altar flanked by large potted palms. Navy carpeting that ran wall-to-wall complemented rows of wooden pews cushioned with beige upholstery. A large wooden cross lit up by a concealed light source was the focal point of the room.
Meredith started attending two years ago but had yet to make many close contacts aside from Rosa, probably because she worked with her as well. She regretted not making more of an effort to become involved and connect with the members of the congregation.
She slipped into a back pew and closed her eyes for a moment. She had a monstrous headache that defied her regular OTC meds. Meredith let the swelling music from the worship team wash over her. The subsequent reduction of her stress level brought a smile to her face. No matter what Erin said, spirituality had a positive impact physically and she was living proof.
She thought again about David’s conversion. It was a true miracle, and regardless of her personal angst with him, she felt a deep sense of pleasure that he’d found the Lord. She had prayed for him long after he’d left. Now, she’d continue to do so. That much I can promise .
Throughout the remainder of the service, Meredith absorbed the peace and encouragement she felt. I need to make this a priority instead of being so haphazard. Do or die I’m going to start coming every Sunday morning .
After the closing benediction, she rose and spent several minutes visiting with those who sat around her. She spied Rosa far across the sanctuary, talking to a man. They turned toward her. Meredith let out a little gasp when she saw David. Rosa looped her arm through his and they began walking up the aisle together. David looked down on Rosa with one of his dimpled smiles.
Meredith gripped the back of the pew in front of her. What’s wrong with me? I’ve got to get a handle on myself!
“Meredith! There you are!”
She took a deep breath, keeping her expression bland as they approached. “Hi, Rosa. David.”
Rosa raised her brow at Meredith. “David was a little unsteady, so he’s letting me help him out.”
Glancing at David, she gave him a tight smile. “Did you enjoy the service?”
“Very much. And it helps knowing two lovely ladies such as you will be my fellow parishioners.”
The blessing she’d received from the service seemed to fade away. All she wanted now was to escape. “Well! My bed is calling to me. I’ll see you later.”
Before either could respond, Meredith turned and threaded her way through the crowd. She didn’t relax until she made it to the safety of her home. From there she hurriedly undressed and crawled into bed. Squeezing her eyes shut, she tried to shut out images of David and Rosa as a couple.
She failed.
***
The following Tuesday, Meredith received a call asking her for an interview for the Peds position she’d applied for. With anticipation, she showered and dressed, wondering how her life might change should she get the job.
The interview lasted nearly an hour. Meredith made her way home feeling very confident. She was told she’d hear back in a month or so with the decision.
Clay called and asked her out to dinner. After a moment of mental wrangling, she agreed. Why shouldn’t I go out with
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