in these big ways. He does not always come knocking to return our children to us. He does not often even announce to us that there is a blessing in our way. No, He pours out His blessings in small ways each day. In the fall of rain that blesses our farms; in the smile of a child or a parent, in the sun that warms us and makes our seeds grow; in the visit of a neighbor. There are blessings all around us in the smallest of things. And we ask, as David asks in the Psalms, 'What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?' What can I give to God for all the beautiful things he gives me everyday?” The Reverend paused to let the congregation digest his question. Sophy found herself nodding along and asking herself what kinds of blessings she'd been given.
“ What can we give back to Him? What does He ask of us?” The Reverend continued. He paused and then smiled beatifically. “It is quite simple, really. He asks only that we love Him and that we love each other. Only that. Love. In return for the blessings He pours out to us each day, He asks us only to return His love to the people around us. When you're feeling small and put upon, when nothing seems to be working for you, when you've sent up a prayer to Him that is the time to count your blessings, to remember that what you should give back to God is the love and gratefulness in your own heart. That is all he asks of us each and every day.”
The church remained silent and thoughtful as Reverend Croft finished his sermon. There were smiles on the faces of the townspeople as Sophy looked around. She was smiling, too. For all the anger and grief of the week – the arguments, the searching – she really was blessed. She had lived a life of ease surrounded by people she loved.
And as the Reverend led them in song, Sophy added one more small blessing: music. She had never learned to play an instrument, but she loved to listen. And she loved to sing the church hymns, to raise her voice with those around her, not worrying what anyone thought about how she sounded. It was her favorite part of the service each week.
As they sang hymns today, Sophy was distinctly aware of a new voice in the mixture, one that rang out over all the others. Its rich baritone sounded so warm and round as it floated over the congregation. Sophy turned to seek out the source of this inviting voice. She found it, as she knew she would, in Captain Croft. He sang quite unaware of the attention he drew from the congregation, his joy in the music evident on his face.
His enthusiasm was catching. His joy was diffusing through the small space and prompting everyone to sing more loudly and joyously. Sophy had a smile on her own face as she, too, joined into the hymn. It was a thrilling feeling and made her feel deep inside of her what the Reverend had preached about blessings. Sophy was disappointed when the hymn came to an end. She could have listened to hours more and never have tired of it.
But it did come to an end, and after the townspeople said a final thank you to the rector, they all scattered to their houses or those of their neighbors to spend a happy Sunday afternoon.
Chapter XII
As the other parishioners made their way home, The Wentworths and the Crofts walked the few steps to the doors of the rectory, there to spend a comfortable meal in company together. As they walked, the Reverend informed them that Mr. Hollingson would be unable to join their party today, having already accepted Mrs. Coombe's invitation to share her luncheon. The whole group groaned in unison, sympathetic to the young curate's plight. They laughed together as the Reverend reminded Captain Croft that Mrs. Coombe liked to overindulge in everything – especially cake – when she had guests. The laughter carried them into the Croft's home.
The rectory itself was quite a spacious house, Milverton having formerly been a trading center of the county. It had not stood quite as long as the church
“ What can we give back to Him? What does He ask of us?” The Reverend continued. He paused and then smiled beatifically. “It is quite simple, really. He asks only that we love Him and that we love each other. Only that. Love. In return for the blessings He pours out to us each day, He asks us only to return His love to the people around us. When you're feeling small and put upon, when nothing seems to be working for you, when you've sent up a prayer to Him that is the time to count your blessings, to remember that what you should give back to God is the love and gratefulness in your own heart. That is all he asks of us each and every day.”
The church remained silent and thoughtful as Reverend Croft finished his sermon. There were smiles on the faces of the townspeople as Sophy looked around. She was smiling, too. For all the anger and grief of the week – the arguments, the searching – she really was blessed. She had lived a life of ease surrounded by people she loved.
And as the Reverend led them in song, Sophy added one more small blessing: music. She had never learned to play an instrument, but she loved to listen. And she loved to sing the church hymns, to raise her voice with those around her, not worrying what anyone thought about how she sounded. It was her favorite part of the service each week.
As they sang hymns today, Sophy was distinctly aware of a new voice in the mixture, one that rang out over all the others. Its rich baritone sounded so warm and round as it floated over the congregation. Sophy turned to seek out the source of this inviting voice. She found it, as she knew she would, in Captain Croft. He sang quite unaware of the attention he drew from the congregation, his joy in the music evident on his face.
His enthusiasm was catching. His joy was diffusing through the small space and prompting everyone to sing more loudly and joyously. Sophy had a smile on her own face as she, too, joined into the hymn. It was a thrilling feeling and made her feel deep inside of her what the Reverend had preached about blessings. Sophy was disappointed when the hymn came to an end. She could have listened to hours more and never have tired of it.
But it did come to an end, and after the townspeople said a final thank you to the rector, they all scattered to their houses or those of their neighbors to spend a happy Sunday afternoon.
Chapter XII
As the other parishioners made their way home, The Wentworths and the Crofts walked the few steps to the doors of the rectory, there to spend a comfortable meal in company together. As they walked, the Reverend informed them that Mr. Hollingson would be unable to join their party today, having already accepted Mrs. Coombe's invitation to share her luncheon. The whole group groaned in unison, sympathetic to the young curate's plight. They laughed together as the Reverend reminded Captain Croft that Mrs. Coombe liked to overindulge in everything – especially cake – when she had guests. The laughter carried them into the Croft's home.
The rectory itself was quite a spacious house, Milverton having formerly been a trading center of the county. It had not stood quite as long as the church
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