Deborah Washington.” Her name was announced. She stood up, holding her pregnant stomach as she walked across the stage to receive her botany certificate. As she accepted the certificate, she glanced into the audience. Lily and Timothy were front and center, her ma and pa sitting right beside them. Timothy looked so proud. “I love you.” He mouthed the words.
“I love you too.” She mouthed the words right back to him. She settled into her seat and listened as they called the rest of the graduates’ names, thinking about all that had happened since Timothy had asked her to court him two years ago. Right after she’d agreed to his courtship, she’d started her term at the women’s college, and they were married six months later. The town had had to find another teacher, but she continued helping Timothy with his medical practice. They worked well together. She figured both of them could fulfill their true callings more when they worked as a team.
Her ma had finally accepted that she was going to be a college graduate. When she’d seen her interacting with the other students and realized how happy she was, Ma had learned to accept that going to the college was part of her calling—part of what she wanted to do to serve Jesus, as well as others.
Her baby kicked. She rubbed her swollen stomach. In about a month, Lily would have a new brother or sister. Again, she looked to her family in the audience. Yes, she was truly blessed. She bowed her head and closed her eyes. Thank You, Jesus, for all of Your blessings.