A Moment in Time by Tracie Peterson Read Free Book Online

a group of little ducks waddling after their father.
    The children sang at the tops of their lungs, a little off-key but nevertheless filled with joy. Marty couldn’t remember when she’d enjoyed Christmas so much. Indeed, she’d nearly forgotten that just five years earlier she’d been made a widow when her first husband, Thomas, died on Christmas Eve.
    How did the day get past me?
    Marty fell silent as she considered the matter. The last year had been such a busy time. It wasn’t that she hadn’t contemplated her years with Thomas or the tragic accident that claimed his life, but her marriage to Jake had changed her focus. Jake’s kindness and gentle nature had eased her pain and filled some of the empty holes. Not all of them, of course. She would always remember Thomas. Her love for him was something special. But so, too, was her love for Jake. Maybe that’s why it bothered her so much to imagine that he didn’t care about her feelings.
    She had hoped to hear something from him by now. Especially since it was Christmas. But there hadn’t been any word at all. Marty found herself regretting the harsh words she’d spoken to him before their parting. She wished she could take back the ones spoken in anger—in fear, really.
    What am I afraid of ?
    She almost laughed out loud at the question. The answer wasn’t at all difficult. I’m afraid of losing Jake like I lost Thomas.
    But haven’t I already lost him?
    The question haunted her throughout the church service, and the joy she’d originally felt for the celebration waned. She was at war with herself. She hadn’t really lost him. But she had refused his solution. What obedient wife would do such a thing?
    But he knows how I feel about Texas. And now it’ s more important than ever before.
    “Wise men from the east followed the star,” the minister declared. “They followed it because they knew what they would find at the end of their search. They knew they would find the Christ child.”
    The children fidgeted but didn’t make a sound. All the normal problems of sitting too close to each other or of needing to share a comment were banished at the thought of missing out on the Christmas festivities.
    “So what is it that you are searching for?” the minister asked.
    Marty felt the question prick her conscience. What am I searching for? The uneasiness that had threatened to engulf her since Jake’s departure reared its ugly head as if to answer.
    You want everything your own way, a voice seemed to accuse. You are so unworthy of anyone’s love. You are selfish—a liar—a schemer. Even God has cast you aside.
    Marty frowned and lowered her head. She felt tears come to her eyes. Was it the devil who tormented her? Had God given up on her? She hadn’t been willing to see Jake’s side of the disagreement. Certainly he could have sought ranch work in Colorado, but there was something to be said for returning to those who already knew you and knew your abilities.
    “Sometimes we search for what has been lost,” the minister continued. “But sometimes it is we who are lost and who are searching to be found. Maybe you have lost your way today. I want to encourage you to remember that it was through the birth of Jesus that we were given hope. It is through Jesus that we are found. Believe in Him and be saved. Believe that Jesus came as a babe in a manger, innocent and pure. Believe that He grew into a man who took on the guilt and filth of your sins and mine and died upon a cross. Believe!”
    The choir stood to sing, and Marty silently prayed that God would help her to make better choices—to be obedient to both Jake and to God. It was a prayer she had prayed many times before. I want to do what’s right, Father. I want to live in a way that would be pleasing to you. Help me, please . I know I can’t face the future without you .

    The children were happily stuffing themselves with sweets and playing with their Christmas gifts when Mr. Brentwood