The Mercy (30 page)

Authors: Beverly Lewis

October 1987

T
he treed pathway is covered again with leaves of yellow, orange, and shades of red. The path is a beautiful reminder of Nick’s and my journey of love, and of his return to God and the People. Each time I take the shortcut between Dat’s land and the bishop’s, I’m ever thankful for divine mercy and grace.

Nick’s baptism was certainly evidence of that. So often I think back to that inspiring day when my dearest friend, now my husband, said yes to Christ and His
Gemeinde
—the local community. A whole new spiritual world opened up inside his heart on that special Sunday, preparing Nick for possible ministry amongst the People. I secretly wonder if the Lord was showing him that someday he might serve as a deacon or preacher. If nothing else, Nick will continue to extend compassion to those in need, just as he did when he helped Mrs. Schaeffer at the homeless shelter where his mother spent her final days. Showing God’s grace to others is one of our callings as husband and wife.

It has been heartening to see how warmly Bishop Aaron was received back into the esteem of the ministerial brethren after his silencing was lifted. Prior to our sunny wedding day in late November last year, my father-in-law asked Nick to go into partnership with him to farm the land. So we’ve been living in the large Petersheim farmhouse, and the bishop and Barbara moved to the Dawdi Haus. According to Barbara, who is truly my second mother, they enjoy having a son and daughter-in-law running things and living on the premises. Barbara and I have become ever closer this past year, although she still can’t succeed in getting me to indulge in every single chocolate dessert or pineapple upside-down cake she loves to bake!

My parents, on the other hand, still reside where they’ve always lived. Mammi Sylvia moved to the Dawdi Haus where Brandon and Hen stayed . . . and Dat’s eldest sister will live in the smaller house, come spring.

Ah, spring, that green and glorious season of new life! Like our dear friends Silas and Rebekah, Nick’s and my first child will be a springtime baby. Nick is so anxious to hold our tiny babe in his strong arms. He says he can’t wait to take him—or her—on a pony ride, or to show our little one how to make leafy sailboats, just like we did, growing up here on Salem Road.

Hen and Brandon’s towheaded son, Andrew Solomon—named in part for Dat—is almost a year old and has an appetite “like a horse,” or so Mattie Sue says with a giggle. She relishes her role as big sister. All of us were invited to attend Andrew’s dedication at the little country church where Hen is content to worship with Brandon. Mattie Sue was also included in this lovely day, having never been dedicated to God as an infant. The four of them come to visit us often, and it’s remarkable to see Brandon’s keen enthusiasm for the bishop’s companionship . . . the way he interacts with the man of God. Both he and Nick have embraced the call of the believer and are living accordingly. Ach, I’ve never seen Hen happier, which makes me smile, just as I do when I catch a wink from my darling husband.

It is a joy for Nick and me to live together in accordance with God’s sovereign will. Patience plays an enormous part in perseverance as we wait and trust for what is to come—what God has in store for those who worship Him.

Take yesterday, when Dat, Mammi Sylvia, and I were having coffee with Mamm. Mamm’s eyes grew wide all of a sudden, and her eyebrows shot straight up.
“Ach, I just felt some tingling in my legs!”
she exclaimed, her eyes bright with tears.

It made me want to cry for joy.

Dat leaned over and kissed her cheek in front of us.
“Well, glory be!”
he said. Then Dat charged out the back door, running across the field to the phone shanty, where he reported the good news to her doctor. Who knows what might lie ahead?

It’s also a joy to think of how life has improved for the Brownings in the past year. Gilbert Browning married his longtime friend, Jane Keene, last Christmas. Beth was the maid of honor and delights in her father’s choice of a bride—an understanding and loving stepmother. The timing worked out nicely, because, as is our way, I’d stopped working there when I married Nick. I still keep in touch with Beth, of course, who will always be precious to me. How can we ever forget the blessed role she played in Mamm’s life?

Every day, Nick and I are overjoyed at the divine providence we witness around us. We marvel when we rise at dawn, when we eat, when we labor, and when we lie down to rest. Just as Dat and Bishop Aaron have always said—their life’s theme—God is truly at work in all of our lives.

Oh, we can hardly wait to pass this precious truth on to our firstborn child . . . and to all of our
Kinner
yet to come, Lord willing.

F
rom my earliest days in Lancaster County, I have been intrigued by Amish tradition. The People themselves, their sense of tranquility, self-sufficiency, devotion to God, family, and community—and their remarkable work ethic—continue to draw and inspire me.

As for my research, I am gratefully indebted to my astute assistants and consultants, and to my husband, David Lewis, who enjoys brainstorming my story lines, and who reads my chapters hot off the proverbial press.

My great appreciation goes out to my editorial team—David Horton, Julie Klassen, Rochelle Glöege, and also Ann Parrish and Helen Motter—for their skilled and tireless efforts. To the many wonderful people who are involved in publishing my books, thank you!

In addition, I wish to acknowledge the lingering effect the old English classics have had on my writing muse, especially in regard to T
HE
R
OSE
T
RILOGY
.

Also noteworthy is the Amish table blessing referred to in chapter five of this book. It was taken directly from my book
Amish Prayers,
a newly translated collection of some of the treasured prayers offered by devout Anabaptists for the past three hundred years, now available for contemporary readers’ enjoyment and inspiration.

Finally, as always, I give honor to my heavenly Father, who guides my thoughts and my steps, and forever has won my heart.

Soli Deo Gloria!

BEVERLY LEWIS, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is the
New York Times
bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother’s Plain heritage has inspired Beverly to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with
The Shunning
, which has sold more than a million copies.
The Brethren
was honored with a 2007 Christy Award.

Beverly lives with her husband, David, in Colorado.

By Beverly Lewis

T
HE
R
OSE
T
RILOGY

The Thorn • The Judgment • The Mercy

A
BRAM’S
D
AUGHTERS

The Covenant • The Betrayal • The Sacrifice
The Prodigal • The Revelation

T
HE
H
ERITAGE OF
L
ANCASTER
C
OUNTY

The Shunning • The Confession • The Reckoning

A
NNIE’S
P
EOPLE

The Preacher’s Daughter • The Englisher • The Brethren

T
HE
C
OURTSHIP OF
N
ELLIE
F
ISHER

The Parting • The Forbidden • The Longing