Chapter
Thirty-five
Pastor Thomas glanced around the large table at the
eight-member building committee before his eyes stopped at Ryan. “The Lord has
provided an architect right from our own congregation, and we’re grateful.”
Ryan
nodded at him. Now that he had committed to design the church, he was excited
about the project. And the church was going to pay him 8%! Combined with his
job at the Blue Haven, he’d be making decent money.
But
now he knew—money wasn’t everything. Taking the job in Connecticut would have
given him twice as much in dollars, but half as much in peace. Being in God’s
will was so much better.
Sitting
next to Ryan, Goldie typed notes on her laptop. Ryan was glad he could look at
them later, since he wasn’t taking notes himself.
“So…” The pastor cleared
his throat. “What type of church building should Ryan design for us?”
Across
the table, Frieda smiled. “A churchy building with a tall white spire.”
Everyone
laughed.
“Perhaps
Frieda is referring to colonial-type architecture.” John Zeller glanced at the
others. “A brick façade with white columns in the front, topped by a tall
steeple.”
A
picture of the building formed in Ryan’s mind.
“We’ll
definitely need a wing off the sanctuary.” Joe Cranston looked at Ryan. “For
Sunday school classrooms.”
Ryan
nodded.
The
conversation picked up. Ministry needs were spelled out, and the building
started to expand.
This
would be no little country church.
Almost
an hour later, the pastor closed the meeting in prayer. Ryan had agreed to bring
some sketches to the next meeting. He hoped the committee liked them.
One
by one the members got up and left the room.
Ryan
turned to Goldie. “Did you get all that?”
“I
hope so.” With a smile, she closed her laptop and turned to him. “I’m so glad you’re
designing our building, Ryan.”
“So
am I.” Joe Cranston stepped beside Ryan’s chair and stuck out his hand.
“Welcome aboard.”
He
stood and shook Joe’s hand. “Thanks.”
“Here’s
something to keep in mind, Ryan.” Joe’s dark eyes stared into his.
Uh-oh.
It looked like some well-meaning but unwanted advice was forthcoming. Always
one of those types in every church.
“I’m
part of the board for the Science Museum in Allentown. They’d like to build a
new building next year.” Joe paused. “Would you consider designing it?”
Ryan’s
jaw dropped.
“It
will be a big project.” Joe spread out his hands. “The building will cover three acres, and the museum is willing to give you 10% of the total cost.”
Ryan’s
head spun. “I’d love to do that.”
“Good.”
Joe slapped him on the back as he turned to leave. “Like I said, something to
keep in mind.”
He exited out the door,
leaving Ryan and Goldie alone in the room.
“Wow.”
Ryan turned to Goldie who stood beside him. “Did you hear that?”
“God
is good.” Goldie’s pretty blue eyes held his. “You gave up the job you really
wanted, and the Lord is rewarding you with something far better in the future.”
“No
kidding!” Ryan pulled Goldie into his arms. “And speaking of the future, I want
to go forward into it with you by my side.” He hesitated, but only for a
second. “Goldie, will you marry me?”
Her
eyes widened. “Yes!”
That
was all she could say before Ryan kissed her.
Peace
seemed to surround them like a cloud. They would get married, live in Knotty
Pine, Pennsylvania for the rest of their lives, attend their newly constructed
church, have children in their house…
Ryan
lifted his head. “Wait a minute. We both own a house. Which one are we going to
live in?”
Goldie
frowned. “You stopped kissing me to ask that?” Grabbing his neck, she pulled
his lips back to hers.
Ryan
didn’t mind at all.
* * *
Ah,
young love. But that’s not quite the end, dear reader. Come back tomorrow for
the Epilogue.
Until
then, God bless!
very romantic. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, it's a Romance! lol
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