Free Looking for a Miracle by Wanda E. Brunstetter

actually
feel
God’s presence if He gave me an enormous miracle the way He did for folks back in the Bible days. In fact, I’ve been praying for such a miracle and trying to trust that He will answer that prayer.”
    “We don’t need big miracles in order to see God. He performs small miracles in people’s lives nearly every day.” Mary Ellen took hold of Rebekah’s hand and gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. “Often we don’t see the small miracles because we don’t have our eyes wide open.”
    “Are you talking about me?”
    “Not in particular. I’m talking about believers in general. Even when clouds of pain seem to hide God’s face, we’re never hidden from His miracle of love and His tender mercies.”
    Rebekah studied Mary Ellen’s pretty face. “Just how did a nineteen-year-old woman get to be so smart, anyway?”
    Mary Ellen smiled, bringing to the surface her two matching dimples. “I think my wisdom comes from God, but I wouldn’t be teaching school if I wasn’t putting it into practice every day.”
    Rebekah nodded and released another audible sigh. “You’re probably right. I’m praying that God will give me lots of wisdom, and I hope it’s real soon. For as I’m sure you’ve heard some of the older folks say, ‘we grow too soon old and too late smart.’”
    ***
    Four large picnic tables had been set up on the front lawn for eating, and two more were loaded with a variety of food and beverages. Rebekah noticed that everyone seemed to be in good spirits and had come with hearty appetites, for not only was a lot of visiting going on, but in no time at all, most of the food was gone, too.
    When it appeared that everyone had finished eating, Rebekah’s father stood and called for their attention. The hum of talking subsided as he clapped his hands together. “Those who work hard eat hearty, and you’ve all done right well. Now it’s time to share some good news with you.” He paused and glanced over at Rebekah. “I want you to know that my oldest daughter is about to become a businesswoman.”
    All eyes turned to Rebekah, and she felt the heat of a blush creep up the back of her neck and spread quickly to her face.
    Dad laid his hand on her shoulder. “Rebekah wants to open a greenhouse that will be built near the front of our property.”
    Cheers went up around the tables, and everyone smiled at Rebekah—everyone except Nadine. She just sat stony-faced, staring at her empty plate, which only confirmed in Rebekah’s mind that things still weren’t right between her and her sister.
    “If the greenhouse is to be built before summer ends, I’ll need some help with the project,” Dad continued. “Are there any volunteers?”
    “You can count on me,” said Uncle Lewis.
    Uncle Jonas nodded. “Jah, me, too.”
    “I’d be more than happy to help,” Uncle Amos put in.
    “Same here.” This came from Cousin Henry, whose eager expression made Rebekah think he might like to begin building on her greenhouse right away.
    “Don’t forget about us,” John and Jacob said in unison.
    “I would help if I was bigger,” seven-year-old Matthew piped up.
    Dad laughed. “I’ll not turn away any help. Danki, to all of you.”
    “I’m ever so grateful,” Rebekah said, feeling tears of joy flood her eyes.
    “What will you call this new business of yours?” Aunt Mim questioned.
    Rebekah sniffed and wiped her eyes with the backs of her hands as a vision of Grandma Stoltzfus came to mind. “I’m thinking about calling it Grandma’s Place. I’ll be using lots of starts from her plants, and she loved flowers so much. It seems only fitting to name the greenhouse after her.”
    “I think it’s a wunderbaar name,” Aunt Mim said with a nod.
    “I do believe we’d better move this conversation indoors,” Mom interjected, “because I just felt something wet splat right on my nose!”
    ***
    Everyone scrambled to get the dishes cleared off the tables and into the house, but Nadine, arms