The Next Sweet Chapter in My Life
Chip: “My thoughts are not to explain this on the phone because I do not feel it would do justice to what the Lord told me about you. I wanted to move a lot faster, but he told me he would work things out in His timing and His way. I really need to speak with you in person, because I want to hear your response without interruption. To me, it is like wow, fireworks, like the Lord took me by surprise; and I will do my best to explain to you the way He showed it to me. How do you feel about that, Jimmie Sue?”
Jimmie Sue: “Awesome, Chip! You are probably right. Some things just are better if they are shared in person. I am so excited, and my heart is turning flips. Let me ask you a question first. Do you have plans for Saturday Evening?”
Chip: “No, I am free as a bird.”
Jimmie Sue: “I am going to tell Jerry I am not going to work on Saturday evenings from now on. I will let him know I can work a few hours on Saturday morning but no more Saturday Evenings; but truly, I am even going to pray about that. I would really prefer that I do not work Saturday’s at all, even though I get much better tips on the weekend nights. I am going to make some adjustments in my life so I can have a life outside of work and school. That is, if you are game for a few dates?”
Chip: “Are you kidding me! I have been praying about this and can’t wait to have a date with you. Oh my, I may not get a wink of sleep tonight. Cindy waking up and me being able to finally have you to myself this Saturday, is a dream come true. So you are good with me holding out until Saturday Evening to share what the Lord told me about you?”
Jimmie Sue: “Yes, I will wait until we go on our date, but it will be hard. This is only Wednesday, though, and I’ll still get to see your smiling face at the restaurant until then; but I can’t tell you how excited I am.”
Chip: “Yes, I am too! I will look forward to seeing you tomorrow after work as well. It will be hard for me wait before I see that sweet face of yours.”
Jimmie Sue: “Same here! I will let you get to bed, and I am going to go to bed too. Sweet dreams!”
Chip: “Ok, Sweet Dreams to you also.”
I got up the next morning and called Rob before I went to work, and I told him the good news about Cindy and my first date with Jimmie Sue Saturday night. He was elated for me, and we praised the Lord together for His answer to our prayers. I must say work went pretty smooth Thursday. When I got to the office, everyone commented about the perky mood I was in. I shared with them about Cindy, and they joined in the good news with me through an expression of excited condolences. I went to my office and sat, momentarily day dreaming before I started making calls. I told the Lord how good He was and how I appreciate His wonderful ways and all the good things unfolding in my life. The day was flying by, and I took a little time to mingle with our employees. I told them what a great job they were doing and sent Bill out for donuts on me. We had a great afternoon laughing and talking. We started getting busy because customers were coming in to pick up their cars. I told them we needed to scatter and get back to the task at hand. I went back into my office and made a few calls, and next thing I knew, it was time to close out my computer for the day. I was so looking forward to seeing Jimmie Sue.
Our conversation went to a different level Thursday when I went for dinner. Jimmie Sue let me know that she came in a little earlier to speak with Jerry about slowing down. She said he was very understanding, in fact, he was wondering why she hadn’t come to him before now.
— Earlier that day —
Jerry: “I knew you were burning the candle at both ends.”
Megan (Jerry’s wife): “Jimmie Sue is like our adopted daughter. You should have realized she needed to slow down.”
Megan and Jerry wondered at how she was keeping up with that nutty schedule without breaking down.
Jerry: “Forgive me for not being more of a dad.”
Jimmie Sue: “No problem, I think we all just fell automatic in our everyday routine without being conscious of how we all are pushing ourselves all the time. In fact Dad…you and Megan could use a vacation yourself.”
Jerry: “You got that right! Oh, by the way, is there a certain someone who has anything to do with your schedule change?”
Jimmie Sue: “Yes, indeed! I am in love with him, Jerry; and I do not want to lose him because I can’t find time to even go on a date.”
Jerry: “I am happy for you Jimmie Sue, and you deserve someone nice to take care of you. I also want to let you know I am totally open to hiring someone to take your place, but I hope you won’t forget about us.”
Jimmie Sue: “Never would I forget about you and Megan. Outside of the Lord and Chip, you guys are family to me; and if you hire someone as soon as you can, I will train that person for you.”
Jerry: “That would be great Jimmie Sue, I would appreciate you training them the way you take care of our customers. I just hope I do not have to hire more than one person to measure up to the waitress you are.”
Jimmie Sue: “Ah, thanks Jerry, but I am sure God will send you someone great. In fact, I will ask Chip if he knows someone who might need a job. He knows a lot of people.”
Jerry: “Ok, sweet girl, I see we are getting busy so we better get to waiting on our customers. Oh, by the way, if you feel exhausted and feel like you need to stay home that would be fine, just let me know as soon as you can.
And by the way, Megan and I can’t wait until we get to see you walk up on that stage and get that diploma.”
— Back in present —
Chip: “I knew he would understand and be more than willing to work with you. I knew He had to know you were overworking yourself, and it was getting to be too much for you. If he cares for you like a daughter, you have to know he was getting concerned about your health with all the pressures that present with that hectic schedule. Did he ask you if I had anything to do with you making an adjustment to your schedule?”
Jimmie Sue: “Yes he did! I told him that I was in love with you, and I did not want to lose you because of not having enough time to even have a date with you. He giggled and told me that I was doing the right thing and that he knew that I was different since you had come into the restaurant.”
Chip became quiet and swallowed hard trying to hold back the tears.
Chip: “Did I hear you right Jimmie Sue? Did you tell him that you were in love with me?”
Jimmie Sue took my hands in hers and said, “That is what I told him because that is how I feel. Did I say the wrong thing?”
He swallowed hard again and squeezed her hands and said “I really want to grab you and kiss you right now, but I know it is not proper here in the restaurant. I am thrilled about what you said, and I feel the same way.”
Our thoughts were interrupted when the server bell rang, the cook shouting orders-up. Jimmie Sue jumped up and said that must be your order and went to retrieve it. She seemed to float around the restaurant that evening with a new and refreshed vigor. Me, well I sat there eating my food with a smile I couldn’t wipe off my face. It was about 30 minutes before she got back with me to refresh my glass of ice tea, and she apologized for not getting back to me before now.
Chip: “Don’t you apologize for that. I see how business has picked up, and I am doing just fine.”
She gave me a wink and told me she would get a break in a few minutes. I told her, “I can’t wait” with a wink back. She told me she had a question to ask me before I left. I assured her I would wait. It was another 15 minutes when she finally got a break. She brought my ticket with her so I could get home to rest. She quickly asked me if I would consider coming to her graduation in May; that she knew it was some time off yet, but she didn’t want to forget to ask me. I told her I wouldn’t miss it for anything as I squeezed her hand with my money and a nice size tip. She blushed and said, “This is too much, please save it for our date.” I told her no, that I wanted to bless her and to please receive it, as I squeezed her hand again and told her it was from the Lord. She blinked her big green eyes at me and thanked me. I told her to also pray for me because I was going to make it a point to go see Cindy Friday night after work. I told her I didn’t know what time I would be in for dinner. She told me she would pray and reminded me that God still had this situation in His hands; that she would see me when I was finished, and not to hurry.
I went home after dinner and took my shower and tried to calm my excitement in order to read some of The Word. I had to fight to concentrate and knew it was going to be equally as hard to fall asleep. I was so excited about what she told Jerry about being in love with me, and no doubt would keep me on cloud 9 until the wee hours of the night.
It seemed like I had just fallen asleep when the alarm went off. I had to make myself get up, and I felt quite sluggish, but I knew I would perk up after I washed my face and indulged in my first cup of black Java. Sipping my coffee I fell into deep thought about where to take Jimmie Sue Saturday night on our first date. We would need a place where we could find a private corner to talk, because I knew it would take some time to share.
It was hard to believe it was Friday already. It seemed to roll up on me so fast. I guess because I was so nervous about my visit with Cindy, but it was always very busy at work on Fridays; and that would help me get my mind off of it. The day flew by. I had been on the phone most of the day with customers wanting to know if the parts we had to order for the vehicles had come in for repairs; if so, could we get them on the schedule for the following week. I looked up at the clock and couldn’t believe it was only 15 minutes before time to clock out for the day. I thought to myself, “Thank God it is the weekend.”
I planned on running home to take a quick shower before I headed to the hospital to see Cindy. I swallowed over a very large lump that had formed in my throat as I pulled up into the hospital parking lot. I sat there so I could take a minute to pray. I asked the Lord to give me the words to say and show me the right moment to let her know that I had moved on. I wanted to see her, but I didn’t want too. But I knew I needed to go at this time. It had been a month and four days since the accident, and I felt the sooner I got this over with, the better I would feel. But at the same time, I needed to allow God to work in this situation. I couldn’t push Him, and I knew praying with Cindy and giving her a chance to receive Jesus was more important than my needs. I slowly proceeded to get out of the car and my phone rang. It was Carl with a message from Cindy. She wants you to come and see her. I told him I was actually on my way into the hospital, and asked what room she had been moved to from ICU. He told me it was the 4th floor, room 425. After hanging up the phone, I shook myself and quickly said another prayer. I prayed that God would allow me to have a smooth path for that most needed conversation, plus letting her go as a boyfriend. I found her room and knocked on the door, and Carl stepped out and informed me that she needed a minute to put on a little make-up. We waited for a good 20 minutes, and I finally heard her announce we could come in. Carl stayed for a few minutes but realized that he needed to let us be alone, and he excused himself. I found myself leaning in to give her a quick peck on the check; with a quick follow up of how I was thrilled she was recovering and would hopefully escape this place soon. She was in total agreement with that. After a few awkward and quiet moments, she began to tell me why she had requested I come up and see her.
Cindy: “Chip, I want to talk to you and begin with an apology for the way I treated you in putting you off before my accident. I am so sorry. You are a great guy and didn’t deserve my silly excuses, and ignoring your calls the way I did; I was mixed up and felt that you and I were on different paths. But instead of being a grown- up about it, I left you hanging. That is why I wanted to talk to you. I want you to be happy and find that special girl. When I was out of it or sedated, I felt this warm light surround me, and I just knew I was going to be okay. I don’t know how I knew, but I did. And I can’t explain the comfort I felt or where it came from, except to know someone must have been praying for me. I didn’t have to guess who it was. I knew it was you, and for that I am so grateful. Something in that light impressed upon me to ask you for your forgiveness. It wasn’t a voice that spoke to me. It seemed to be transmitted to me out of that warmth and light that I felt. My prayer is to always have you as a friend, and I am determined to find out about God.”
I couldn’t believe it! The Lord had worked this out like I prayed he would. I told her I truly received her apology and thanked her for being honest. I told her I thought she was a great girl and hoped she would also find that special guy and assured her I wanted to remain friends. I also told her that I couldn’t take all the credit for being the only one praying for her recovery, because there were many.”
Cindy: “Chip, please thank everyone who prayed for me. I hope one day I can meet them, and thank them in person.”
Chip: “I will tell them. They will be so blessed to hear that you are recovering from your injuries and that their prayer’s played a part in you getting better. I would love to pray for you to accept Jesus as your Lord and savior while I am here.”
Cindy I want you to experience the same peace and happiness I have experienced with my relationship with the Lord. She looked at me and surprisingly and said she could see that in me, and she could tell that there was also something different about me.
Chip: “Yes, you could say that. I wasn’t going to say anything to you Cindy; but when I realized we were not going anywhere in our relationship, I moved on. I met a girl that is a Christian and is crazy about me.”
Cindy: “That is great Chip, no one deserve it more! I am truly happy for you, but don’t forget to invite me to the wedding because it sounds like there is going to be one right around the corner.”
Chip: “I would love for you to attend my wedding, Cindy! And, yes, if I could get my way about it, I would marry this girl tomorrow, and it would be wonderful to have you and Carl to attend.”
Cindy: “Oh, he would be thrilled to be invited. You know the first thing he told me when I finally had a minute to recover out of the sedation, and became coherent, that you had been such a support to him. He shared how you lost a day’s wages to come to the hospital to see about me and how you sat with him for hours before he knew what my injuries were. He also said you made calls to the family because he couldn’t cope. You have no idea what a friend you have made for life.”
Chip: “I was glad to do it, and Carl is a great brother to have. He was so…so worried about you. I would also like to invite you and Carl to my Church services.”
I also shared with her that Pastor Mike had started holding special meetings on relationships; which included singles meeting and preparing for marriage, as well as those who are married but need help in keeping a marriage strong and fresh, plus his concern about the abundance of divorces in the Christian Community. Pastor Mike and Kate decided to hold these meetings on Friday evenings. He has a lot of wonderful events planned also so people can meet other couples letting them see that there are many struggling in their marriages: and to provide a place where singles to meet other singles. It seems the Online Dating Services can be good for some, and not so good for others.
Cindy: “That is super great, Chip! I just may show up, because God knows I could use it; now pray that prayer for me and get going and go see that sweetheart of a girl that is crazy about you.”
Chip: “Ok, but first let me pray with you to receive Christ.”
Cindy: “Oh, you can do it here? I mean you don’t have to be in a Church to pray?”
Chip: “Heavens, no! The Bible says whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. You do not have to be in a Church. But you need to find a good Church when you leave here that teaches the word and how to grow in the Lord. My Church is a great for that. I would love for you to attend and see how you like it. Pastor Mike and his wife Kate are wonderful, sincere, and do all they can to follow the Lord. “Whoops sorry” as I cleared my throat, “I just realized I may sound like I am starting to harp on the church thing.”
Cindy: “No problem, you never know. I just may end up there.”
Chip: “That would be fine with me.”
I took her hands in mine like Jimmie Sue had when we prayed about Cindy, and I led her in the sinner’s prayer, and I asked for the Holy Spirit to reveal himself to her.
Cindy: “Oh, I feel something like warm oil running over my body. Is that normal?”
Chip: “That is Jesus honoring my prayer. I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal himself to you, and He is letting you know He is here with you. The Bible says He will never leave you, nor forsake you. The only way He wouldn’t continue to be part of your life would be for you to refuse Him or deny Him the right to live with and in you.”
Cindy: “Oh, now I want to find out all I can about this warm presence I feel.”
Chip: “The Lord would love that because He loves you so, so much Cindy.”
Still holding her hands in mine, I said now “Let’s pray for your healing.” I bowed my head, and then I told her I was going to wait on God just for a minute and allow Him to pray through me His heart for her. I knew this was the most important prayer, and I may only get one shot at it. I knew the words and the anointing on His words would make the difference. It wasn’t long until these most precious words surfaced of giving her a miracle, releasing her heart to Him, to allow His sweet presence to be with her throughout her healing process; but also that He would heal every place in her heart where she had been misunderstood, and hurt, and mistreated. That she would feel His presence with her now and forever, that He was just a breath away. And that her recovery would be supernatural, and the doctors would even comment on the progress. Amen! As I prayed I heard her sniffle; and when I looked up, tears were streaming down her cheeks. I gave her a hug and held her until she stopped. Then, before I left, I assured her that I would be around if she needed me and that she should not hesitate to call. She thanked me, and I left her with this measure of joy I had never felt before. It was 7:10 and my stomach began to growl with hunger pains. I headed to Jerry’s with a song in my heart. I couldn’t wait to share with Jimmie Sue.
I was floating in the Lord. It couldn’t have been a more perfect and pleasant day. My car seemed to float down the highway as if angels were carrying it along. The next thing I knew, I was at Jerry’s Café. The day couldn’t have gone any smoother or any more orderly then it did. It was as if God had it on His schedule or circled on His calendar to happen today. I thanked Him for the answer to my prayers and told Him If this is how he worked out his perfect will that I wanted to sign up for that for the rest of my life.