Chapter 11 #2
As they headed down the road in Grandpa’s carriage, toward the home where they’d be attending church, Emma thought about Fawn and wondered how she was doing.
When Grandpa had announced that it was time to leave, Emma felt sad having to put the puppy back in the utility room.
Fortunately, with the storm abating, the nervous terrier had calmed down and seemed settled in the wooden crate Grandpa had put together as a dog bed the day he’d brought Fawn home.
Emma was thankful that no one had come by her grandparents’ house looking for a lost dog, but shortly before they’d finished eating breakfast this morning, Grandpa had stated that he and Grandma planned to do some grocery and bulk food shopping in town this coming week, and while they were there, he would put a notice on the stores’ bulletin boards about the puppy he’d found.
As selfish as it seemed, Emma hoped with all her heart that no one would come forward to claim little Fawn. She really wanted to keep the dog and hopefully be allowed to take Fawn with her when she returned to her parents’ home in Shipshewana.
After Emma took her seat on a wooden bench within the women’s side of the workshop where the worship service was being held, she glanced around and saw Ivan and his family enter the building.
That was a relief. At least she knew a few people here, and that helped her feel like less of a stranger in this new church district.
As several others came inside, she realized it wouldn’t take long for this already-warm building to heat up and cause discomfort for most everyone in the room.
Two windows on each side of the shop had been opened, but there wasn’t much of a breeze blowing in.
It was hard to believe that just a few hours ago there’d been an abundance of rain and wind.
Despite the heat, the time went quicker than Emma expected, as she sang a few songs from the Ausbund hymnbook in German, along with the rest of the congregation.
One of the younger ministers preached a short sermon on the topic of helping others.
Following that, the congregation stood for scripture reading and silent prayer.
Once everyone was seated again, one of the older ministers took his place in an area between the men’s and women’s sides of the room to deliver a longer sermon.
Emma squirmed on her bench when he stated that he would be preaching on the topic of envy.
Oh boy … maybe the Lord knows I need this sermon today.
Although Emma didn’t want to admit it, not even to herself, she often struggled with envy toward other women—especially those who were close to her age—when she knew they were excellent cooks or very capable at the sewing machine.
Emma felt like a failure at most things and didn’t consider her ability to reel in a fish as anything important.
And for sure, she didn’t believe something as simple as that could be considered a talent.
Fanning her face with a piece of paper she’d taken from her pocketbook, Emma listened as Preacher Miller quoted several verses relating to his topic.
The first one was Romans 13:13: “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”
I do try to walk honestly, Emma told herself as she folded the upper corner of the paper.
I don’t do any of the other things, except I’m envious.
I am guilty of that, and I need to do better.
But I have to wonder, if I never find something that would make me a more suitable wife for a godly man, will I forever continue to be envious of others, especially if Rachel happens to get married to David soon?
Emma listened to the rest of the minister’s message, as he quoted from James 3:16, Proverbs 14:30, and 1 Corinthians 13:4. The weight of the minister’s words and the scriptures that touched Emma’s heart caused her to ponder her attitudes as the sermon went on.
By the time the message ended, Emma was fully convicted and determined to learn to be happy for others who could do things well and not feel jealous because she couldn’t.
Of course, she couldn’t change an old habit by sheer willpower.
Rather, she needed the Lord’s help with this issue.
Emma also realized that she had to stop feeling sorry for herself and simply do the best she could.
While she might never excel in cooking or sewing, under her grandmother’s teaching Emma felt sure she could learn the two important domestic chores well enough to get by should she ever marry and move out of her parents’ home.
Ivan had noticed Emma and her grandparents as soon as he and his family had arrived at the service.
He desperately wanted to talk to Emma and make sure she was still okay with him and his sisters picking her up this evening for the young people’s singing.
Church was over now, and everyone was just finishing up with the modest lunch that had been prepared for them, so he sat in silence, glancing periodically at the women’s tables, awaiting his chance.
The opportunity arose when Ivan noticed Emma leave the table where she’d been sitting and head out across the field where most of the buggies had been parked.
He looked back at the men’s tables and saw Marlin still seated, talking to Ivan’s father.
That was a good indication that Emma’s grandfather wasn’t leaving just yet, so this might be his best and only opportunity to speak with Emma.
Ivan had also wanted to talk to Marlin about his clock, but he guessed that could wait until he came to pick up Emma this evening. If she still plans to go to the singing, that is, he told himself. Otherwise, I’ll just have to make a special trip over to talk about the old clock.
Ivan hoped no one was watching him following Emma, and even though he was tempted to take off in a sprint, he slowed his steps and walked nonchalantly through the field.
He picked up speed again when he was safely away from the people still in the yard visiting, and he approached Emma as she was about to get in the buggy.
“Will you be leaving soon?” he asked.
She whirled around, her cheeks red as ripe cherries. “Oh, Ivan, you startled me.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to. Just wanted to speak with you for a few minutes before you and your grandparents head for home.
” Ivan looked over his shoulder to make sure no one had followed him or was within earshot.
“I wanted to make sure you were still planning to go to the singing with me, Jane, and Norma.”
The color in Emma’s cheeks deepened. “Jah, if that’s still okay with you.”
“Of course. I’ve been looking forward to it, and I …” Ivan peered down at the ground and prodded a clod of mud with the toe of his shoe. “And I’m sure my sisters are too,” he said without looking up.
“What time shall I be ready?” she questioned.
“If my trusty horse cooperates, I should be there by four thirty.” Ivan lifted his head, and when he looked at Emma, a sense of warmth radiated throughout his body. He knew it wasn’t from the warm June sun that had broken through the clouds a few hours ago.
“I’ll make sure to be ready by then,” Emma said with a dimpled smile.
“Okay, good. I’ll see you soon, Emma.” As Ivan took his leave, the excitement he felt seemed to heighten his senses, because the grass looked greener, the birds chirped louder, and his heart raced like a runaway horse.
What’s happening to me? Ivan asked himself as he drew in a massive breath of the murky countryside air from the earlier downpour. Could I be developing strong feelings for a young woman I’ve only known less than two weeks? If it’s true, then what am I gonna do about it?