The Gift of Hope by Pam Andrews Hanson Page B

reserve,” the minister said. “I’m glad you were able to come home.”
    “I’m doing just fine,” Granny Doe assured him. “Crutches may slow me down, but they won’t stop me. You can be sure I’ll still be able to decorate the church for Christmas.”
    “You don’t need to feel obligated to do it,” Noah said, obviously intending to be kind.
    “I wouldn’t dream of missing it!” Granny Doe said. “I’ve already drawn some sketches, and I’m sure my helpers will do everything I can’t.”
    “If you feel able, it would be great to have you supervising. I’ve heard you do an outstanding job.”
    When Noah smiled, his face was transformed. Hope said a silent prayer to thank the Lord for sending such a kind man to be their minister. Reverend Green was never a warm, fuzzy person, and poor health had made him rather cross in later years. As a Sunday school teacher and the person in charge of the annual Christmas pageant, Hope knew how important it was to have loving and concerned leadership from a minister. She didn’t want the children under her care to be wary and uncomfortable with their spiritual leader.
    “I brought you this pamphlet,” Noah said after they’d visited for a few minutes. “It gives some thoughts on why good people suffer and how to deal with pain and adversity. I thought it might be helpful in your daily devotions.”
    “Thank you. I’ll be happy to read it,” Granny Doe said. “I do have a bit of extra time on my hands, but I’m sure I’ll be up and about soon.”
    “Shall we pray?” the minister asked, leading them in a short prayer for Granny Doe’s quick recovery and continued spiritual growth.
    “Bless those who live under this roof, Beloved Savior, and strengthen their faith in times of adversity,” he concluded. “Amen.”
    Hope felt truly blessed to have the minister pray with them, and she could see it had raised her grandmother’s spirits too.
    “Tell me, Reverend Langdon—Noah—are you enjoying our little town? Do you find things to do when you’re not doing the Lord’s work?” Granny Doe asked.
    Hope knew her grandmother too well. She wanted to know whether the minister had found any female companionship. Was matchmaking a genetic trait? If so, she certainly hoped she hadn’t inherited it.
    “So far, I’m just getting into the swing of serving the church. And, of course, Anna and I keep busy with her school activities, music lessons and such. She likes the water, so we’re looking into swimming lessons at the Y.”
    “Have you signed up for any programs at the public library, Anna?” Granny Doe asked. “Hope is the librarian, and she comes up with nice activities for older children as well as the small ones.”
    “Not this time of year,” Hope was quick to point out. “Young people are too busy with school and church activities during the Christmas season.”
    “I understand you’re directing the Christmas pageant, Hope,” Noah said. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
    “Not that I can think of right now, but I’m sure things will come up,” she said.
    She tried to focus on his offer instead of the even planes of his face and the masculine jut of his chin. His hair must have natural curl because one lock fell over his forehead even though he unconsciously pushed it back several times. He was wearing jeans and a navy sweater with an inch or so of his clerical collar showing, and she liked seeing a man of God looking casual. Reverend Green wore the same black suit for every occasion even though it made him look painfully thin and sallow-faced. For a slender man, Noah had the broad shoulders and grace of movement she associated with athletes.
    He was an unusually attractive man, which made her grandmother’s veiled question about his personal life even more embarrassing.
    “Thank you so much for coming,” Granny Doe said when he and his daughter were leaving. “It was such a comfort. Do come back any time you like.”
    “It was