Samantha's Gift (17 page)

R
achel stood at the rear of the crowded church, her bouquet in one hand, Samantha holding tightly to the other.

“Now?” the excited child asked.

“Very soon.” Rachel smiled down at her. “Remember what you're supposed to do?”

“Uh-huh. I throw flowers and stuff. On the floor.” Her blue eyes widened. “You sure I won't get in trouble?”

“Positive.” Rachel laughed softly. “I'm the bride and I get to do anything I want today. Even make a mess in church so I can walk on flower petals.”

“Okay.” Samantha giggled. “I'm gonna do that when I'm a bride, too.”

“I'm sure you will.” Love glowed in Rachel's eyes as she looked from the child to the wonderful man
who had just joined the pastor in front of the altar. “There's Sean. See? It's almost time. Are you ready?”

“Uh-huh.”

Bending, she kissed the child's warm cheek, then took her by the shoulders, turned her so she'd be facing the right direction and made a last-minute adjustment to the circlet of fresh flowers atop her blond curls.

“Okay. The music is starting. Let's go. I'll be right behind you.”

Watching the two most important people in his life approaching, Sean was in awe. Rachel's elegant white gown accentuated her delicate but regal stature, and her flowing skirt barely brushed the floor as she glided toward him.

Walking slowly in front of her and grinning from ear to ear, Samantha was taking evident pleasure in scattering handful after handful of rose petals. When a few of those petals fluttered down and landed outside the aisle runner, the little girl dutifully followed and stomped them flat with her brand-new patent leather shoes, bringing titters of laughter from wedding guests who were close enough to see what she was doing.

Samantha paid them no mind. As Sean watched, he saw her pause and lift her gaze to the highest part of the vaulted ceiling. Then she smiled, nodded and continued straight to the front of the sanctuary, where she
reached for Sean's hand as if she'd just been reminded of the solemnity of the ceremony.

Those who had been observing her progress looked up at the empty rafters, then at each other, with curious interest.

Sean's gaze met Rachel's. Mutual understanding held it. They didn't have to wonder what Samantha had seen or heard. They knew she believed guardian angels had blessed her with a new family—and that was fine with them. After all they'd been through, they weren't about to question the simple, unshakable faith of their very special little girl.

Dear Reader,

I checked the cyclopedic index in my Bible and found sixty-seven listings concerning angels—and that's not counting the forty-seven more in the concordance!

I don't presume to understand everything about angels, but I do know Jesus spoke plainly about the jobs they do here on earth and in the heavens, and that's a good enough reference for me.

Could a child with a special need actually see an angel the way Samantha does in this story? I think so. Children had a special place in Christ's heart, and there's no reason to believe that has changed from then to now.

Have I ever actually seen an angel? Maybe I have and just didn't realize it. Either way, my faith is not based on things seen, as this story explains. Faith is a gift with two sides: intellect and choice. Each of us has the inner need to believe in a Higher Power, but that's only the beginning. Choosing to surrender to the will of God and follow Jesus is what makes the difference. That part of faith cannot be reasoned out like a puzzle; it can only be embraced wholeheartedly. That, I
am
sure of.

I'd love to hear from you. You can write to me at P.O. Box 13, Glencoe, AR 72539, check out my Web site at www.centurytel.net/valeriewhisenand/, or e-mail me at [email protected].

Blessings,