Max was momentarily struck by her question. He didn’t think that anyone had ever asked that before now, and the answer that came to mind startled him. “No. I can’t say that I enjoy it at all. It’s simply a job that was thrust upon me. I find the logging and sawmill industries of interest but cannot say that I would seek them out if they hadn’t already been made a part of my life.”
“That’s terribly sad.” Her forehead crinkled slightly as her eyes narrowed. “Father always says that when we are unhappy with our duties, it’s most likely because it has nothing to dowith extending ourselves to others. He believes that in helping others, we will find our true purpose and fulfillment. It’s the way of all those who have put their faith in God.”
“I’m not much for faith in anything or anyone.”
This changed her look to one of surprise. “You don’t believe in God?”
“I do. But ... well, past that point, I’m not at all sure what I think of Him.”
“Well, that clearly explains the issue of your unhappiness.”
“I don’t recall saying I was unhappy.” He couldn’t deny that he was, however.
Evie stood. “Come walk with me.”
Max followed obediently. What was it about this young woman? In that moment, had she asked him to walk with her to the ends of the earth, he would have done exactly that.
“Max, I am not one to be critical where matters of faith are concerned, but the truth is that each man and woman needs a relationship with God. They need to know Him and what His desires are for their lives. You don’t need to tell me that you’re unhappy or unfulfilled. I can see in your eyes that you’re quite unsettled, perhaps even verging on miserable.” She looked at him as if waiting for him to deny it.
He didn’t. She was hitting a nerve that clearly represented the truth of the matter. He was miserable. It was the reason he was seeking a new place to live. New areas to expand his interests. Even considering the idea of pursuing Evie in courtship, although they’d just met. He was desperate to fill the emptiness that he blamed on a lifetime of loss and lack of loving family.
“I’m glad you decided against lying to me. I feel we can be honest with each other, Max. That’s why I am speaking in such a bold manner to you now.”
“And what is it you’re trying to say in this boldness?” Hefound himself almost desperate to know. Something in the moment felt important ... perhaps life-changing.
“‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ So says Matthew chapter six, verse thirty-three. Seek God, Max. You might never have felt the need until now, but now that you do, I encourage you not to ignore it.”
“How can you be so certain I feel this need now?”
Evie stopped and turned. “I suppose it’s the working of the Holy Ghost. The Bible says that God will guide us. Jesus said the Holy Ghost would be a counselor to us. I realize we’ve just met, Max, but can you tell me that I am wrong?”
He found no reason to resist her. “No. I fully admit to feeling that somehow I’m wasting my life—that I’ve missed out on something of great import.”
She nodded. “You have, but it’s not too late. God has obviously brought you to this place at this time for such a reason.” She began to walk again, and Max quickly caught up to match her steps.
“Seeking God is the best thing you can do to give yourself a quality foundation. My parents taught me early in life that we desperately desire a higher power, someone who is stronger and more capable than us. We need to know that there is someone out there who holds the future, who cares about us, who would and did give their life for us.
“I’m sure I’m making a mess of it all, but in truth, Max, salvation through Jesus is the only way to find what we’re looking for. I believe sin separated us from God but that our souls long for reunion and cry out to Him even when we don’t know Him. Perhaps when you feel up to it, you could speak to my father or the church pastor.”
“I’m just as happy to listen to what you have to say on the matter.” Max couldn’t explain it, but the things she said trulyresonated with his heart. Was it his soul was crying out for that oneness with God? Before today, he would never have thought as much. Maybe he was just enchanted by Evie’s beauty and kindness.
“Oh, look, my brother Evan.” She motioned for the young man to join them. “Evan, this is Max Garrison. Max, this is my twin brother Evan.”
“Twins?” Max looked at Evie and then to Evan. They were both dark-eyed and dark-haired, but it was there the resemblance ended. “I don’t believe I’ve ever known twins.”
Evie’s brother laughed. “Well, I suppose we’re as good as any set to start with.” He extended his hand. “Good to meet you, Mr. Garrison.”
“As I told your sister, call me Max.”
“And you may call me Evan. I believe my law firm does work with your father from time to time. Brewster and Manning Law Firm. Of course, I hope one day that Turner will join those names.”
“I am familiar with the firm. I’ve been helping handle my father’s Minnesota accounts for a few years now. Before that I was back east working with my brothers.”
“That’s right, you mentioned brothers,” Evie said. “How many?”
“There are two. They are older, and we didn’t really grow up together.”
“How could that be?” Evie asked, sounding almost horrified.
