Stepping Into Sunlight by Sharon Hinck

Author:Sharon Hinck
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2008-09-30T20:00:00+00:00

Later in the afternoon I tackled a different mystery. I cleaned Tom’s DVD again, then tried to sneak up on the new message by fast forwarding, and eventually the third message played. I breathed a word of thanks to God for this precious bonus after all the other work He’d done in my heart today.

“Message three.” Tom glanced down, and for the first time I noticed some three-by-five cards on his desktop. There was something irresistibly sweet about him preparing note cards for these brief broadcasts. I scooted close to the television and hugged my knees.

“Promise not to gloat with this next one, Pen. I’m gonna admit something tough.” He cleared his throat then charged ahead. “From the first day I told you I felt called to the chaplain program, you’ve been so great about not worrying. You said you would choose to trust. That if this is the calling God has given me, you won’t let your mind circle on the fears of things that could happen.”

He ducked his chin, but I still saw the rueful smile. “I never realized what I was expecting from you. It was easy to tell you, ‘Don’t worry, God will take care of me.’

“Until I was on the other side of the equation.

“I’ve gotta be honest. After the shooting, I had a hard time fighting back fear. For me to head into danger is part of the job. We deal with it. But when I pulled up at the gas station and saw you sitting at the curb with all those police cars, the ambulances . . .” His voice grew thick, and he swallowed. “I could have lost you. It tore me apart. And I’ve had to wrestle with the picture in my head every day since.

“I didn’t want to tell you before I left. I was busy being strong for you, and figured that my fears were the last thing you needed. But I just want you to know, I finally realize what a huge gift you’ve given me . . . how much courage it has taken for you to be my wife and trust me into God’s care when I’m on deployment. And I’ll be telling the men and women on the ship, too. Reminding them that their families back home deserve respect and gratitude for their courage.” His eyes met mine. “I’m proud of you, Penny.”

My heart expanded, throbbing with strength. Over his words, my Father whispered an echo of confirmation. So undeserved after my failure at the school this morning—but so welcome as a glimpse of the person I could become.

Tom ran a hand over his face. “Whew. Okay. Enough of that.” He laughed. “I wish I could tell you this tape will self-destruct in five seconds. This is a little too mushy. The next one will be lighter. I promise. Now turn off the DVD.” He sketched a wave, and reluctantly I hit the Stop button.

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