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Cathy
Cathy spent most of the service praying for Chevon. She’d witnessed her having some sort of spiritual moment, she was sure of it, but she couldn’t tell what had happened. She’d considered following her to the bathroom, but she knew that would be too pushy. And so she’d just prayed that Chevon would feel God’s presence, that she would feel his love, and that he would reveal himself to her in a way that she couldn’t talk herself out of.
That kid was one tough cookie. Cathy really liked her. She was confident and had her head on straight. It delighted Cathy to think of all God could do through her. But first, he had to go after her heart.
Pastor gave a rousing altar call that was so persuasive, Cathy knew it had come straight from God. A few people went down front, but Cathy didn’t know them. She sneaked a look at Chevon, who was watching them pray at the altar. Her expression was sober, but Cathy couldn’t read more than that. It occurred to her that she could offer to go to the altar with her, but a still, small voice told her again not to be pushy.
She took a deep breath and pulled her eyes away from the girl. Yes, Father. Thank you. I’ll try to be patient. This made her think of Katelynn. Why wasn’t she having more success with that family? They’d dropped off two boxes of groceries the day before, and no one would even answer the door. Why had all these other people had so much more success getting their people through the doors? What was she doing wrong?
The still, small voice whispered, “Patience,” and she had to smile. Ah, yes, there it was again. She’d never been good at it, and so God kept giving her opportunities to get better. She took a long breath. Maybe if she got better at it, he wouldn’t make her wait so much.
She closed her eyes and focused on the music, which Fiona so miraculously played. What a blessing that woman was! She didn’t talk much, or ever, really, but she showed up week after week and delivered music more beautiful than any Cathy had ever heard. The woman had once made albums. Now she played for New Beginnings. And yet, she seemed content, enjoying every note. Thank God for her.
The service ended, and without trying to orchestrate it, Cathy’s path crossed Chevon’s. “Hi, honey. How are you feeling?”
“Fine. Katelynn texted me last night. She said thanks for the groceries. Apparently her brothers were really excited about the Fruity Pebbles.”
Cathy’s heart leapt. “Oh, good! Well, as you see her this week, keep your ears open for anything else they need.”
Chevon nodded. “Already on it. I like Katelynn. She can be a little rude sometimes, but I can’t blame her as I sort of forced myself on her after years of not talking to her.” She took a breath. “Anyway, I’ve got some room in my life now for some new friends.” She glanced at Jason, who’d kept walking. “I used to hang out with Jason’s ex and her friends, and well, needless to say, they’re not really into me anymore.”
Cathy chuckled. “You may one day look back on that and see it as a gift.”
Chevon nodded, and her expression was older than her years. “I already do.” She looked around the room. “Besides, now I have all this.” She smiled. “I have all of you.”
“That you do. Whether you want us or not.” Cathy gave her hand a squeeze, and the women shared a genuine, synergistic laugh. And Cathy thought that, patience or no patience, the authentic joy of that laugh would sustain her for some time.
