Changed Lives
Part Four
Eli had settled on a hire tractor for the moment. That Monday, he put it to good use leveling and grading the sizeable piece of ground he'd marked off for his barn. As he worked he mulled over the weekend. First, his visit with the Merton's and Gretchen, the happy news, and the interesting conversation they'd had over coffee. That conversation had led him to do something he'd never thought he'd do. He had attended not only one, but two services at the Chapel on Sunday. He'd come away convinced that something was seriously wrong with his own church. At the Chapel, he'd met up with the Merton's and with Gretchen again. They, along with the pastor and other folk, had welcomed him warmly. After the service, Eli had spoken for some time with the Pastor, and he'd come away with a great deal to think about.
***
Eli finished grading, then headed for his truck. He needed to fetch his first load of timber from the hardware store. Putting up a barn was a huge project and he was going to need some help too.
When he walked down the aisle that housed the brads he needed, his eyes widened. Gretchen was selecting a pack of felt nails from the shelf.
She looked up and laughed at the surprised expression on his face. "The shade cloth on my green house is starting to lift. I want to catch it before it rips off. Are you buying nails too?"
"Yes, for my nail gun. I need to make a start on the barn." He wondered whether Gretchen was keen on Diy.
"A nail gun? That must make things easier." Gretchen grinned. "I've never used one. It's just me and my hammer."
"I can show you how to use one if you like." He grinned back at Gretchen. He realized that he was only half joking. If Gretchen took up his offer, he'd gladly oblige. He'd often thought what an attractive woman Gretchen was with her clear blue eyes and blonde hair. Now as he looked into those same eyes, he saw a joy and a peace he'd not seen before. And it drew him.
"I might just take you up on that." Said Gretchen lightly. "Well, I'd best leave you to your shopping. See you Sunday?"
Eli nodded slowly. "Yes, see you Sunday. I want to hear more from the pastor."
Gretchen nodded, pleased. "He does explain things well, doesn't he? See you on Sunday then, Eli." Gretchen made her way to the checkout with her purchase. In her heart, she rejoiced that Eli was going to be at church again, but she cautioned herself against being too friendly. The last thing she needed was a repeat of what had happened with Colin. She sighed as she got into her car. It was a pity. Eli was nice, and she wouldn't have minded seeing his farm and having a go with the nail gun.
****
Eli stood staring at the rack in front of him for some moments after Gretchen left. He couldn't help smiling. Fancy Gretchen being into Diy. He guessed that it wasn't actually so surprising: she lived alone, and their must be plenty of maintenance to be done around her place. Not to mention the fact that she was no longer living under the strict surveillance of Pastor Stefan and the elders. He grimaced. No doubt he would soon come under flack himself for his own recent and planned future desertion. He found the brads he was looking for, then went to pay for them as well as his wood. When he headed back to his truck, he saw Gretchen driving away. As much as he wanted to see her again on Sunday, he knew that there were more serious reasons compelling him to go again.
***
Copyright: Alison Lawrence. 2023. All rights reserved.
Changed Lives is a work of fiction and no resemblance to any persons or places is intended.
Drawing by the author.
Changed Lives, Part Three:
More Reading
Jesus Freak Janice: A Children's Story. (8-12 yrs)
Janice goes to a tough school where God isn't welcome. However, Janice has a very special friend who helps her everyday.
E book($2.99)
Paperback($7.99)
Hope you have a blessed day. Please share the story and the blog with friends and family.
Love and blessings,
Til next time,
Alison
💜💜💜
Comments
Post a Comment