Ministry to the Shepherds

  “No, I’ll stay with Rachel” Robin said

  “I’ll go referee” Tom agreed

  “Good plan.” Polly stated shaking her finger at Max. “Play nice”

  “Yes, dear.” He said kissing her again. He led Tom and Ethan outside to the shed and picked up the sleds. Tom stayed near the bottom of the hill while Ethan and Max climbed up. Ethan and Max climbed on the respective sleds and the race began.

  Inside the cabin, Polly served Rachel and Robin some hot chocolate as they waited for the men to return.

  “How was your walk? What is the town like?”

  “We had a good time. It is a nice little town. There were some cute shops and we checked out some ski equipment and will probably go skiing tomorrow if you don’t mind.”

  “Why would I mind? Go, have a great time.”

  “We will then. I really enjoy being with Tom.”

  “I can tell.” Rachel said smiling “You seem much happier and I didn’t really know you weren’t happy before.”

  “I wasn’t unhappy before. I didn’t think about it very much because I didn’t want to take the risk of showing my interest and having it be rejected. I was just living my life and praying that if something was to happen, then I’d be ready for it.”

  “At least you were ready for it. I wasn’t and maybe that’s why it scared me so much. I wasn’t going to date or get married, I was going to run my business and help out that way.”

  “But aren’t you glad that changed?”

  “Yes, very much so. I love him.”

  “I can tell. Did you tell him?”

  “Yes, while you were gone earlier. Thanks for going for a walk, I know you read me and knew I needed a moment alone with him.”

  “It’s a twin thing. I knew his comment got to you.”

  “I have so much to make up to him. He kept believing in us when I couldn’t.”

  “I don’t think you should look at like you have so “much to make up to him”. Ethan reminded me that God’s timing is perfect and maybe the reason and how you went away wasn’t right, but God’s timing is perfect.”

  “Thanks, I needed that reminder too. Thanks for always being there for me Robin.”

  “Thank you right back, Rachel” Robin said hugging her sister. “Can you believe this cabin?” Robin said a few moments later. “It is huge. And his father being a senator? That caught me by surprise.”

  “Me too. He told me last week that they were looking forward to meeting me. Will you go shopping with me when we get home? I don’t have the right clothes to wear for meeting his parents or for the big dinner he is planning.”

  “Sure, sounds like I need something to wear also.” Robin stated “Have you told mom and dad and our brothers yet?”

  “No, I don’t know when he is planning this yet. I want him to ask them anyway, I think he would prefer to.”

  “Probably.” Robin agreed. As Rachel and Robin sat and enjoyed the fire crackling in the fireplace, the men came back in from sledding. After shedding their coats, the huddled around the fire place to get warm. “Who won?” Robin asked

  “I did.” Ethan stated proudly then pointed at Max “Tom even beat Max.”

  “I let you win.” Max teased “I didn’t want you to look bad in front of your ladies.” Ethan and Tom laughed at his teasing and then went to sit by their women.

  “Hi” Ethan said taking hold of Rachel’s hand

  “Whoa, Ethan, that hand is cold” she said trying to shake his hand off

  “So? I want to hold nice warm hand.” He said teasing her

  “Yeah, right.” She laughed “I get the feeling this sudden urge to hold my hand is not purely motivated.”

  “Would I do that?” he asked teasingly

  “In a heartbeat.” she answered laughing at him “I’ll let it go this time.” She said quietly “Since I like holding your hand too”

  “Even when it is cold?”

  “Yes, even then.” She agreed. Ethan kept hold of her hand but switched to talk to Tom and Robin.

  “Tom tells me you all are going skiing tomorrow?” he asked to Robin

  “Yes, we need to go back into town now and get the equipment.”

  “You are going too aren’t you Ethan?” Rachel asked

  “No” he answered surprised

  “Why not? Isn’t that why we came here?”

  “Not the only reason we came here, we came for lots of reasons. I hadn’t planned to go skiing this time though.”

  “Please go if you want too.” Rachel urged

  “But you would be here all alone.”

  “No I wouldn’t. Polly would be here. I spend lots of my time alone. I can read or study.”

  “I’m not going to go this time.”

  “Okay, but don’t not go on my account. Make it your choice.”

  “It is my choice.”

  “Robin, are you ready to go?” Tom asked

  “Yes, let me get my coat.” She said moving to the door. “Do you want to go with us to wander around the town?”

  “I would love too. Ethan, will you wander around with me?”

  “It would be my pleasure to wander around with you.” He said helping her up from the couch.

  Tom drove them to the ski rental store. He helped Robin down from the truck and led her inside leaving Ethan and Rachel at the sidewalk. “Ethan, please go skiing with them. I will be fine on my own.”

  “I don’t want to go. I want to spend my day with you. And I need to work on my sermon for Sunday a little more.”

  “Are you really sure?” she asked one more time.

  “Yes, sweetheart, I’m very sure.” He said squeezing her hand with emphasis. “I know you would be fine on your own, but I don’t want you to be on your own. I want to be where you are not out skiing. Sometimes when we come here, I’ll ski; but not this time.”

  “Okay” she agreed “Now, will you walk me around? What kind of stores are here?” Ethan began to quickly describe the stores that were around. He told her of the craft stores, the mom and pop bakery, the antiques shops, the bookstore.

  “Let’s start at the bookstore.”

  “Somehow I thought you might choose that.” He said placing her hand on his arm “You love to read.”

  “Yes, and listen to recorded books. How did you know that?”

  “Every time I talk to you or see you, you have been reading or studying something.”

  “I guess that is right. I didn’t even think about it.”

  Ethan led her to the bookstore and helped her look around. He read off titles of the recorded books and helped her make a choice of which one she wanted. Ethan picked up a couple of books that he had been wanting to read but hadn’t had the opportunity to go shopping yet. They paid for their purchases and wandered back to find Robin and Tom. Ethan saw they coming out of the bakery and led Rachel over there. The two couples headed back to the car and returned to the cabin. After dinner, they talked with Polly and Max until everyone agreed it was time for sleeping. Ethan and Tom wished Rachel and Robin a good night and headed for their rooms. Robin escorted Rachel to her room and helped her around in the unfamiliar room.

  “Good night.” Rachel said after thanking Robin

  “Sleep tight, Sweet dreams” Robin said as she shut the door.

  The next day, Ethan told Tom how to get to the ski area and then wished them a good day. Rachel and Ethan spent the day talking or napping or reading. Rachel was studying her Bible but could tell Ethan was watching her. “What?” she asked after a couple of minutes

  “I was just watching you.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you are beautiful and I am enjoying looking at you.”

  Rachel blushed and said a quiet thank you. “I can’t read with you watching me.”

  “Too bad. I guess you will have to learn. It isn’t something I am going to stop doing.”

  “Oh really? W
hy not?”

  “Didn’t I just tell you? Because you are beautiful.” He said hugging her

  Rachel shook her head at him but didn’t argue anymore. “I give up with you.” She stated then Ethan laughed and kissed her forehead. “You can’t win against my arguments can you?” Ethan joked

  “I could but I’m not going to even try.” Rachel answered laughing “If you want to believe I’m beautiful, I am not going to tell you any different.”

  “Finally” he whispered

  “Finally what?” she asked

  “It is just another block down from the wall surrounding you. A wall that needs to breakdown so we can move forward in our relationship. And you not arguing with me on how beautiful you are is a big block down. Thank you.”

  “I don’t want that wall there either, Ethan. I built it over time to protect myself from hurts. Mrs. Dillon and Mrs. Harper are not the first people to ever mention that I couldn’t or wouldn’t get married. I’m trying Ethan, do you believe that? Will you give me that time to remove that wall?” she asked almost pleading with him

  “Hey, hey” he said taking her hand in his “Relax sweetheart, we have all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere and I’m not going to rush you. I know you have things you need to work through, I want to help you if I can. But God is your biggest help and I know you are praying about those things in the wall. I am too.”

  “I am praying about them and trusting in God’s guidance.”

  Ethan gathered her in his arms and held her close. “I love you Rachel.”

  “I love you Ethan.” Rachel responded

  Ethan released her and then took hold of her hand. Rachel leaned her head on his shoulder and enjoyed his strength. “Ethan, what are we going to do about church when I am able to return?”

  “Are you asking about how we should be around each other or something else?” He asked clarifying her question.

  “Should we act like a couple or still keep it between us?”

  Ethan responded “I’m ready for it to be public knowledge. And I don’t mean an announcement, just if people see us together and ask then we will tell them. I don’t want anyone else talking about us like Mrs. Dillon and Mrs. Harper did. And what would you like to have happen?”

  “Not an announcement but not a secret either, just let things happen however they happen.”

  “There will be some people who will tease us, can you handle that?”

  “Yes, I’ll be embarrassed probably but it will be okay. I won’t run away again, never again.”

  “Good, we can handle anything if we talk about it.”

  Ethan was watching a movie while Rachel was sleeping with her head on a pillow in his lap as Tom and Robin returned. “You two look frozen solid.” He teased as they settled in the living room close to the fire.

  “It was so cold up there.” Tom stated “but we had a great time.”

  “Yes we did. He is a great skier.” Robin said smiling at Tom “I was left in the powder so to speak. I am an average skier.”

  “I really didn’t mean to do that. I sort of got carried away once I reached the top of the lift. I’ m sorry.”

  “Don’t apologize. I didn’t care if you skied ahead of me.”

  “Next time we go, I promise to stick closer to you.” Tom said solemnly.

  “That is a nice thought, Tom, but it isn’t necessary. If you ski at my speed, you won’t have as much fun. I was just fine and I was impressed watching you ski.”

  Ethan interrupted their discussion. “I think you better give this one up Tom” he chuckled.

  “Apparently” Tom agreed moving to the other couch to sit down. “She looks so nice and calm but she is a bit hard headed.”

  “Sounds familiar” Ethan agreed pointing at Rachel.

  “I’m awake and I know you are talking about me.” Rachel interjected

  “Hey Rachel” Robin said as she moved to sit next to Tom

  “Hi Robin.” Rachel said sitting up

  “What did you two do all day?”

  “I worked on my sermon” Ethan answered

  “And I read and slept and tried not to interfere with his sermon preparations.”

  “What?” Ethan exclaimed “You could never interfere, Rach. If you need me for something, never think that my sermon is more important than you. Yes, I need to be prepared when I step up to deliver God’s message, but you will be my wife and that is a priority too.”

  “Wife?” Tom asked surprised “Did I miss something?”

  “No” Ethan answered “You didn’t. We have talked about marriage and are working towards that.”

  “That is great news” Tom exclaimed

  “Wait a minute, Tom” Rachel stopped him “Don’t jump the gun on us. This conversation stays between us for now. The church needs to become more familiar with Ethan and I as a couple before we jump into talking about marriage in a public sense. If they can’t accept us, then we may have some decisions to make.”

  “Why wouldn’t they accept you as a couple, Rachel?”

  “Didn’t Robin tell you why I ran away from home?”

  “No, I didn’t Rachel” Robin answered

  “Before we tell you that story Tom, I need to clarify Rachel’s earlier comment.” Ethan interjected “I will leave the church and go somewhere else if the church doesn’t accept Rachel as my wife. That is the decision we would need to make. The decision won’t be to not get married.”

  “I agree and I said that wrong a moment ago. It will make more sense when you hear the story Tom.”

  “Good, because right now I’m a little confused.” Tom stated

  “Rachel, are you telling this story?” Robin asked

  “Yes, it is my story to tell.” Rachel agreed “Tom, do you remember the movie night just before Thanksgiving?”

  “Yes”

  Rachel began telling the story of what happened with the ladies from church and how that caused her to run away. “I felt that they were telling me what the church’s perspective was and I ran away and would probably still be gone if not for the accident. I still pushed Ethan away even after I came home. I felt that he and Robin should be the ones dating not he and I. Of course that was prior to my having any knowledge of her interest in you.”

  “Yes, I set her straight real quick when I found that out.” Robin interjected “I didn’t want anything getting back to you about this. Actually, it was the same day as our first coffee date.”

  “Can I tell you something, Rachel?” Tom started

  “Yes”

  “As Robin and I were leaving that day, I asked why Ethan was there with you. Robin told me and my response was that you were as wonderful as she is and I hoped to see you and Ethan together at church. I haven’t changed that opinion. In fact, it is even stronger now.”

  “Thank you Tom, but are the church members going to feel the same way? I know I have friends there but friendship is different than being the pastor’s wife. Will they accept that I can’t be a typical preacher’s wife?”

  “What is a typical preacher’s wife?” Tom asked Ethan and Robin

  “Beats me.” Robin answered “Ethan?”

  “Her definition” Ethan pointed to Rachel “is that she couldn’t be a “perfect, superhuman, I can fill every open position at church” because I’m blind. My definition is that she can only do what God directs her to do.”

  “Rachel, Ethan is right. If you don’t change your definition, you will never measure up even if you had sight. It isn’t possible to please others, you have to put your priorities on God and He will direct you. I believe though that the majority of our church members will be glad to see you and Ethan as pastor and wife of our church. The funny thing may be when two single staff members marry twin sisters and the four of us lead our church. Now, that is quite a story.”

  “Uh Tom?” Ethan pointed to Robin “I think maybe you need to …”

  “Robin, what??
?s wrong?” Tom asked suddenly at her pale face

  “Tom, you said “when” we get married.”

  “Yes, I know I did.”

  “Are you thinking that far ahead too?”

  “Yes” Tom answered then realized what she said “Too?” he questioned

  “That is what I said.” Robin said happily “Too.”

  “Uh…” Tom stuttered “I may actually be speechless.”

  “Why?” asked Robin, Rachel and Ethan asked in unison

  “Why?” Tom asked incredulously “I knew I was jumping ahead in thinking about marriage, but I didn’t know you were too.”

  “I’m not suggesting we get married tomorrow Tom.” Robin argued

  “No, I’m not either and neither is Rachel.” Ethan commented “All four of us need to seek wise counsel on marriage but I believe we need to talk as couples with that goal in mind. If you are just “dating”, it is too superficial and important issues don’t get discussed.”

  “I agree.” Tom said “I just don’t want Robin to believe I was rushing her to the altar.”

  “I don’t.” Robin said “I was just as surprised to hear you were thinking marriage. Maybe I should worry that you feel rushed.”

  “I don’t feel rushed.” Tom smiled at Robin and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. After a moment Tom asked “Were you done with your story Rachel? We jumped tracks on you.”

  “My story was just to let you know that I had big concerns that I am the best choice of a wife for Ethan. I acted them out improperly because of being fearful and not letting the Lord lead me. I still believe there could be some issues with the church members and only time will tell on that.”

  “But she also knows that she is my priority before any church members’ opinions on our relationship. I will leave the church and find a new one if necessary.” Ethan interjected

  “Yes, I do know that now and I am more confident about us.”

  “I don’t really think there will be a problem Ethan.” Tom stated

  “Me either, but we are prepared for the possibility.”

  Polly came to tell them that dinner was ready and all four moved to the table with Max and Polly. Ethan led them in their prayer Lord God, I thank you for the people around this table and what they mean to me. I ask that you lead Rachel and I as well as Tom and Robin in our relationships. Help us with our priorities and help us move out of your way as you love others through us. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ. In His Name, Amen