Floating on the Surface
an excerpt

Mother Elizabeth smiled. “Good, just what I wanted to hear. That is the first step, you know, opening your heart and listening to what God has to say. I sense God at work in you. Listen to him, child. He knows us best. In Proverbs it says ‘trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.’ Samantha drew a sharp breath and sat back stunned hearing yet another person quoting proverbs to her .

“Ah, child. I see God has already been speaking to your heart.” Mother Elizabeth looked from Samantha to Benjamin and back to Samantha. She leaned forward and took Samantha’s left hand and with her other hand, Benjamin’s right. She brought their hands together and wrapped both her hands around theirs, looking intently at both of them. Samantha drew a breath, glanced at Benjamin who was still looking a little shaken. He smiled and squeezed her hand gently beneath Mother Elizabeth’s hand. They both looked back at Mother Elizabeth waiting to here what she had to say.

“She is quite beautiful; strong, yet fragile. Yes, Benjamin?”

Samantha felt herself blushing at Mother Elizabeth’s unexpected words and hesitantly looked at Benjamin who cleared his throat and quietly said “Yes ma’am.”

“I see it now, it’s very strong. I don’t know why I didn’t see it at first. Do you see it, Benjamin? Yes, of course, you have. It is obvious that you have.” She reached over and laid a hand over Samantha’s heart saying “You are connected here to here,” and moved her hand over to lie against Benjamin heart. “Here. He has chosen to bring you together and soul connections are very rare.” She touched her fingertips to Samantha’s check “Don’t let your head get in the way of your heart. ‘A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps’ We don’t always understand God’s reasons or purposes for our life.” Benjamin’s grip on her hand tightened as Mother Elizabeth spoke of them being connected and Samantha could only stare, speechless, at Mother Elizabeth. “Are you willing to let God direct your steps and guide your hearts without question?”

Mother Elizabeth looked at Benjamin for a response and he nodded his head yes. Mother Elizabeth looked at her waiting. She hesitated and took a deep breath: “I did ask for wisdom, for his guidance, so I should be willing to accept that.” She looked at Benjamin and blushed because he was watching her intently. “I didn’t expect….” Her eyes searched his face and he nodded, his eyes shimmering from still unshed tears and he squeezed her hand again. Oh God, what are you doing to me, she thought. She turned back to Mother Elizabeth “Yes, I am willing to let God guide me, us, where ever it takes us.”

“Good,” Mother Elizabeth said sounding satisfied. “God has given you both a great gift. It is very rare; use it wisely. She let go of their hands and placed a hand on each of their heads. “Lord, please bless Samantha and Benjamin on this journey, give them strength and wisdom. Give strength to their hearts and wisdom to their actions. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.”