Looking For You All My Life Part 121

the pulpit away from any of your leaders. I am content to

simply do whatever G.o.d has for me to do. I know I have

come here for G.o.d's purpose, and that is enough for me."

"But what if part of that purpose is to lead a church?"

suggested Barbara.

Michael folded his hands in his lap. "Then G.o.d will have

to show that to me."

udrey tried to talk Maggie into taking Thursday

morning off to do some Christmas shopping in

Byron with her. "Look, honey, you gave up your

whole weekend last week for work, and you work half your

evenings. You know what they say about all work and no

play. Christmas shopping is the least you can do for your-

self." Audrey was determined to win this argument. "Come

on, Maggie, you need to get out and relax a little. Have some

fun. I'll even take you to lunch at that new restaurant Eliza-

beth Rodgers has been raving about."

"Okay," said Maggie finally, throwing her hands up in

surrender. "You win, Mom. Actually, it does sound won-

derful. Besides, I'm expecting to be lambasted by TS Devel-

opment about my article today, and I'm sure not looking

forward to that."

"So, why not put off the inevitable and have a good

time?"

And that's just what they did. Audrey was familiar with

Byron, and in just a few hours they managed to hit all the

best shopping spots. At their last stop, a Northwest gift

shop, Maggie discovered a beautiful collection of inlaid

189.

190Melody Carlson

wood pocketknives she felt certain Jed would appreciate. She

selected her favorite and bought it.

"Who's that for?" asked Audrey as the woman wrapped

it up.

Maggie shrugged, unwilling to admit that it was for Jed

in light of their recent disagreement. "Oh, I don't know.

We'll see...

Her mother nodded knowingly. "It's always good to have

a few spare gifts on hand. Did you see the handmade sweater

I got for Barry?"

They compared their purchases at lunch. Elizabeth had

been right on target about the restaurant. Situated in a beau-

tifully restored Craftsman house, it was set up like an old-

fashioned tearoom with antique tables and chairs on

hardwood floors. And fresh flowers, white linen, and deli-

cate china graced each table. The restaurant was renowned

for its delectable deserts, but its menu also included light

lunches-perfect for shoppers.

"Have you talked to Jed lately?" asked Audrey as they

studied the carefully handwritten menus.

the Maggie knew it was time to tell her mother exactly what