Free A Life of Joy by Amy Clipston

hurting Mom or disappointing her. Jessica makes the grief ache even more.”
    Elizabeth cupped a hand to Lindsay’s cheek. “Unfortunately, life isn’t easy, but we find comfort in the Lord. The Bible says, ‘We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.’”
    Rebecca wished she could take away her niece’s pain. “Elizabeth’s right. You’ll always miss your parents, but you have to hold strong to our faith. It will always get you through the rough times.”
    “ Ya . You’re right,” Lindsay said.
    Elizabeth kissed Lindsay’s cheek. “I need to go. I’ll see you soon.” She turned to Rebecca. “You take it easy. You look exhausted.”
    Rebecca smiled. Elizabeth was thoughtful and loving, just like her own mother. “ Danki . Be safe going home.”
    Elizabeth picked up the box of desserts and started toward the door. “ Gut nacht . Sleep well.” She disappeared through the door.
    Lindsay continued washing the dishes while Rebecca cleaned the table and the counter. They worked in silence for a few minutes.
    Once the counter was clean, Rebecca looked back toward her niece, who was working like a robot, washing the dishes, pans, and utensils with swift movements. A scowl twisted up her pretty face.
    Rebecca wished she could read Lindsay’s thoughts and comfort her grief. She sat at the kitchen table and tapped the chair next to her. “Lindsay. Sit with me.”
    Lindsay placed the last dish in the drain. “Do you want me to sweep the floor now or tomorrow?”
    Rebecca tapped the chair again. “Forget the floor. Sit.”
    Lindsay lowered herself into the chair and rested her chin on the palm of her hand.
    “Do you want to talk about your argument with Jessica?”
    Lindsay shrugged. “There really isn’t anything else to say. She’ll never understand me or respect my decision. She’ll always treat me like a child and talk to me as if I’m too uneducated or immature to know what’s right for me.”
    “I know Jessica frustrates you,” Rebecca began, “but you have to realize you can’t change her. You’re going to have to find a way to let her comments go before all of that anger eats you up inside.”
    Lindsay shook her head. “Funny. Katie said something similar.”
    “Katie is very wise.” Rebecca glanced at the clock. “It’s getting late. You should probably head to bed. It’s been a long day.”
    Lindsay frowned. “I’m not ready for bed. I want to wait up for her and ask her why she walked out on her own party.”
    Rebecca shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea to pick a fight with her. She’s leaving tomorrow, so you should make peace with her. She’s your only schweschder , and you love her, ya?”
    Lindsay’s green eyes were determined. “I’m tired of her stubbornness and self-centeredness. She owes me an apology.”
    “But she’s your schweschder , Lindsay,” Rebecca repeated. “The Lord wants us to love each other and live in peace. That’s our way.”
    “I know. I’m just really frustrated.” Lindsay popped up from the table and peeked through the kitchen window above the sink. “Here she comes. Jake’s pickup just pulled up to the barn.”
    Rebecca said a silent prayer, asking God to change her nieces’ hearts toward each other and help them work out their differences before Jessica left in the morning.
    “Looks like they’re having an intense conversation,” Lindsay said, still staring out the window. “I wonder if she told him off too.”
    “Lindsay …” Rebecca said. “That’s not nice.”
    “I know, but she was on a roll today.” Lindsay continued to gaze out the window.
    Rebecca absently folded a stray napkin left on the table. “I saw you talking to Matthew Glick for quite a while in the kitchen. He’s a nice young man, ya?”
    Facing Rebecca, Lindsay’s ivory cheeks flushed a bright pink. “He’s nice. Very nice.”
    “It’s gut how he