A Life of Joy Read Free Page B

what you mean. Are you leaving us?”
    “No, no,” Lindsay said quickly. “I’m not leaving. This is my home.”
    “Then why do you feel pressured to make a decision about your future?”
    Lindsay nodded toward the door as if gesturing to Ruthie and Amanda. “The baptism class is beginning in a few weeks. I was certain a month ago that I wanted to be in it, but now I have doubts.”
    Elizabeth’s warm smile was back. “No one is pressuring you, mei liewe . Everyone decides whether or not to join in his or her own time. In fact, if you’re never absolutely certain, you don’t have to join and, quite frankly, you shouldn’t join. Whether or not you’re baptized into the faith, you’re still a part of our family, and we’ll always love you.”
    “Danki.” Overwhelmed by the sentiment of Elizabeth’swords, Lindsay’s lip quivered and her eyes filled with tears. “How do I know where I belong? Jessica is so sure that she’s supposed to be English, and she tells me all the time that I am too. I don’t think I’m supposed to be English, but I also don’t know if I’m really Amish either. When was the last time you saw a redhead with green eyes wearing a prayer kapp ?”
    Elizabeth chuckled while taking Lindsay’s hands into hers. “Listen to God with your heart, and He will give you the answer. And I once saw a beautiful Amish girl with bright red hair and blue eyes in Ohio. We Amish are more diverse than you think.”
    “There are two of us redheads, ya ?” Lindsay smiled and swiped the tears from her warm cheeks with the back of her hand. “I was up nearly all night trying to figure this out. I prayed until I ran out of words, and I’m just as confused this morning as I was last night, if not more so.”
    “You don’t need to figure this out today, Lindsay. Nor do you need to decide tomorrow. Give yourself some time. You’re only eighteen.”
    “But Katie and Lizzie Anne are very disappointed in me.” Lindsay shook her head. “They can’t understand why I’m not certain if I’m ready to take baptism class. Yesterday they asked me why I changed my mind, and I couldn’t give them an answer.”
    Elizabeth patted Lindsay’s arm. “You don’t have to tell them anything. They won’t judge you because the Bible tells us not to judge one another. Just say that you think you need to wait until the next class, and leave it at that. Did you tell Rebecca how you feel?”
    Lindsay nodded.
    “And she was supportive, ya ?”
    “She was.”
    “This decision is not one to be taken lightly,” Elizabeth began, “and it doesn’t need to be rushed. You’ll know whenand if the time is right for you to join the church. God will tell you loud and clear, so don’t feel pressured to do it now simply because your friends are.” She stood and motioned toward the door. “We best finish our baking. If last week is any indication of how this week is going to go, then we’ll have empty counters before noon.”
    “Would it be okay if I sat out here for a few minutes?” Lindsay asked.
    “Of course.” Elizabeth touched Lindsay’s shoulder. “Take all the time you need, but don’t forget about those whoopie pies.”
    “Danki , Elizabeth.” Lindsay watched Elizabeth slip back into the bakery and then turned toward the parking lot. Closing her eyes, she prayed for a clear head and strength, and then she stood and hurried toward the bakery to begin her day.

    Later that evening, Lindsay set the last clean dish in the drying rack on the counter and then gazed out the kitchen window and spotted a horse and buggy clip-clopping up the long driveway toward the barn.
    Giggles erupted from the bathroom where Rebecca bathed Daniel Jr. and Emma.
    “Aenti Rebecca,” Lindsay called. “Are you expecting company?”
    “Not that I know of,” Rebecca called over another chorus of giggles. “Is someone here?”
    “Ya,” Lindsay said, drying her hands on a towel. “A buggy just pulled up by the barn. I’m going to