I love this story.
I love the reality of life forging on despite loss, the poignancy of Max’s old guilt and Tina’s genuine frustration as she works so hard to get all her ducks in a row...and then something messes with her well-thought-out game plan.
Forgiveness and guilt are the themes of this story. Max shouldered undeserved guilt as a kid and hasn’t let it go in over a decade. How sad is that, and yet, I know many adults who carry a similar weight. He had to face his past finally in order to help his parents. Would he have shouldered that guilt forever if Charlie hadn’t gotten sick? Who knows?
Tina fell between the cracks of family crises, her father’s health and her uncle’s tight-fisted, empty promises. Throw a couple of broken hearts into the mix and she’s ready to kiss the whole thing goodbye and start anew.
But God’s timing wins out, and I’m a firm believer in that. I remember a sports commercial with the theme “Be ready.” An athlete spoke of how he trained hard, so that if he got called off the bench, he’d be ready with his A game. And when he was called to take the place of an injured teammate, he was at his best. God tells us that, too. He sent John to ready the way... He reminds us that we don’t know the day or the hour, and to be ready when called.
With another joyous—and maybe poignant?— Christmas season upon us, I want to thank you so much for buying Her Holiday Family. From my family to yours, let me wish you a merry and blessedly peaceful Christmas, a time of joy and remembrance. God bless you!
And if you’d like to chat, I welcome the opportunity. You can snail-mail me c/o Love Inspired Books, 233 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10279 or email me at ruthy@ruthloganherne.com. Come visit my website at ruthloganherne.com, cook with me at www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com and/or find me on Facebook! And feel free to stop by Seekerville, our delightful multi-author blog at www.seekerville.blogspot.com. The coffee’s always on, and I’ll make up a stash of cookies, just for us!
With cheerful blessings!
Ruthy