Part XVII:

The Recruit

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For just as each of us has one body with many members,

and these members do not all have the same function, 

so in Christ we, though many, form one body,

and each member belongs to all the others.

~Romans 12:4-5

     The next day Alex left the bike shop with Sarah’s bike in the back of his truck. He had received the call around lunchtime that it was ready for pickup. He then gave her a call on her cell and they had decided he would drop it off around six o’clock. Now pulling into the driveway he unloaded the bike, then rang her doorbell.

     Sarah greeted him with a cheerful smile, "Hi."

     "Special delivery, where would you like it?" 

     "In the garage, give me a moment to get the door."

     A few minutes later the garage door opened and he found her standing towards the back, "Can you bring it in here?"

     He set the bike beside her washer and dryer and after giving it a quick inspection she said, "It looks great Alex. I really do appreciate this."

     "It's the least I could do," came his modest reply.

     "Well, you’ve done so much for me already and I am grateful," Sarah declared wholeheartedly, then excitedly informed him, "You know, I generally watch 'Dancing with the Stars' on Monday nights but something someone recently shared with me has given me a renewed interest in football and I found myself watching the game instead."

     At that Alex flashed her a huge smile, "Is that so?"

     She nodded and was all smiles.

     "Did you score another touchdown?" he asked with growing curiosity.

     "Too early to tell, but I did find it insightful. It was like watching it with a different lense."

     They both paused now, each seeming at a loss for words. She seemed in no hurry to go back in. Sarah then asked, "Is there anything I can get you? A cup of coffee?"

     "I'd love one but I promised Reuben and his wife I would stop by for dinner tonight and I need to make a stop before I do." Alex then offered, "Sarah, I know you mentioned that you were intrigued with our community. I don't know if that's changed for you but if you are still interested in having a look around I'd be happy to give you a tour."

     "I am…I'd like that," came her reply.

     "Great!" Catching the eagerness in his voice he took it down a few notches before continuing, "You know I've been thinking over some of the things you shared with me during lunch the other day and thought you could be a valuable asset to us."

     "Do you really think so?" she asked hopefully. "After what happened the other day I'm not too sure."

     His reply came without hesitation, "Yes, why don't we give it a go and see how it goes?"

     "Really?" she sounded so hopeful but still in need of reassurance.

     "Really. I’m intrigued by how you see things. God is quite creative in how He communicates to his children and I see a depth of insight in what you've shared.  As I said before, it confirms what some of us have been discerning for some time yet you've been able to see more pieces that are relevant and very helpful…" Alex paused when he noticed she looked like she was about to cry. "Sarah, did I say something to upset you?"

     After shaking her head no, she brokenly replied, "Just the opposite, that's not usually the response I get. I don't share much about these things anymore. I did with you because you didn't look at me as if I was crazy and seemed quite open to it all…and it made sense to you…even more sense than it made to me."

     It had never occurred to him that her gift came with its own unique set of challenges, but it made perfect sense. Alex was moved. He once again found himself wanting to comfort her, this time with a hug, but felt that was an unwise move. Alone together in her garage may be innocent enough of itself, but considering his growing attraction to her the idea of physical contact didn't seem like a good one to him. That, he felt, was too vulnerable of a position to find himself in with the woman he had developed feelings for…and was still getting to know. He also thought it might make her feel uncomfortable.    

     She went on, "I don't always know what to do with what I see. A couple times sharing seemed to make things worse." She was looking away now, trying to hide the moistness in her eyes from his gaze.

     Alex proceeded tentatively, "Sarah, I hadn't thought about the challenges your gift presented to you, I'd like to help if you'd like."

     She nodded her head yes, not trusting her voice to form the words.

     "Good. Why don't we call this a trial run, a sort of recruitment. I've already seen what you have to offer and as I said, think you would be a valuable asset to the rest of our team. This would also give you the opportunity to try us on for size, to see if there is a place for you. We'll keep it in prayer and take it one step at a time. How does that sound to you?"

     Sarah felt something deep within her leap as she remembered Jesus' words, "If you’d like to help and are willing, I have a place in mind for you."

     She then reached up and gave him a brotherly hug as she said, "That sounds like the perfect play."

     For a moment he was startled and felt one of his knees start to buckle under him, but he was able to recover. Instead of being aroused by such nearness as he had concerned himself over, he was deeply moved with compassion as this sincere and hearty display of gratitude seemed to stress her need. When she pulled away he asked, "Well, how does this Saturday sound to you, or do you have plans?"

     Alex noted how uncomfortable she now looked and figured her reaction took her by surprise too.

     "No, no plans, Saturday is perfect," she replied while turning her attention back to her bike in an effort to hide her embarrassment.

     Alex was thrilled. "What time would you like me to pick you up?"

     "I was actually thinking of riding my bike. I can meet you at the cafe."

     "Are you sure? I don't mind dropping by."

     "Yes, I've been wanting to get back into the routine and do enjoy it."

     "Well ok then, what time shall I expect you?"

     "How about noon?" Sarah asked.

     "Noon it is, at the cafe," he then added jokingly. "And I promise to look out for you on the road."

     That brought a huge smile to her face and he thought, I would happily jump through hoops to see her smile.

     She turned to go back in and as he was leaving he heard her call out, "Alex..."

     Turning around to face her again, he asked, "Yes?"

     "Thank you for believing me...and believing in me."

     He smiled and nodded, "See you Saturday at noon."

     "Ok, see you then."

Part XVIII:  Growing Pains