Waiting On Love

By Krista Ann Taylor

Approaching thirty, Elizabeth is trying her best to follow God’s plan for her life. She has always dreamed of being with someone who shares her calling. Now she is beginning to wonder how long she is going to have to wait before love finds her.
David is waiting for his life to “begin.” He’s been living one day at a time, not sure what he’s meant to do with his life. Is love what he’s been searching for? Will God bring these two together at just the right time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887511252

Book preview

cover.jpg

Waiting On Love

Krista Ann Taylor

Copyright © 2023 by Krista Ann Taylor

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Prelude

Once upon a time, not that different from our own, in a faraway land you could call home, there was a young woman full of hopes and dreams. She loved Jesus Christ with all her heart. Every day, she fantasized about singing His praises for the world so that they too would come to love Him as she did. The only thing was in her dream, she was never alone doing this. In fact, she knew in her heart that she was meant to get married. Together, she and her husband would live this dream.

Time passed, and the young woman waited for her dream to come true. She served her Lord in any way she could and decided she could live a life of worship even as she waited. Being fully devoted to her King, that was her goal. Always in Worship became her creed, and doing everything to bring Him glory was her mission.

Still, on lonely nights, she wondered, Will my dream ever come true? One such night, she prayed.

Lord, thank You for Jesus and His death on the cross. You are amazing, Lord in all Your ways. Forgive me for my doubts, but Father, I don’t understand. You’ve given me this dream and desire, yet I’m still waiting for it to come true. When will it be my time? I know You have a plan for me. Help me to be patient. Thank You for Your forgiveness and blessings. Help me bring glory to You in all that I do. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Time journeyed on. God had not forgotten the dream of the young woman. Soon, it would be time but not yet. The young woman continued to wait. She would shortly learn that love was worth the wait.

Chapter 1

It was an alluring Saturday morning, one of those mornings that implored for you to go outside and revel in God’s creation. The sun was dancing in the leaves overhead. Birds were singing, and the temperature was just about perfect, not too hot but warm enough that a jacket was not needed.

Elizabeth was on her daily walk with Penny, her dependable, affectionate dog. Every morning in the summer, they’d go to the camp she used to work at and walk the trails. She would play Christian music on her phone and just meander down one of the various paths. Sometimes, she sang along, and other times, she’d just let the music wash over her as she walked.

On this particular day, she was just listening and allowing the music to speak to her soul while she took in the artistry all around her. Elizabeth and Penny continued up the trail and made their way up Prayer Mountain. She was a small woman but in fairly good shape, so it didn’t take them too long to make it to the top, and they stopped at the cross on top.

Prayer Mountain was a special place on the campgrounds. The cross was full of people’s names who had either accepted Christ right there or had knelt before God right there and poured out their hearts to Him, the One who always sees and cares about everything His children are going through. People from all over Ekklesia would come here just to pray at the foot of the cross.

Elizabeth was thankful that no one else was up there as she stared up at the cross. The wind was blowing her curly, soft brown hair as it cascaded down her back. Then, she just broke down and prayed. She had enshrouded her dream deep down inside trying to discount it till it was time, but as she stood at the foot of the cross, she couldn’t help but recall all that she longed for.

She began to tremble and weep. Penny just stood beside her waiting steadily as Elizabeth prayed. Dear Lord, help me be patient, she whispered. Help me be content. Penny nudged her gently. As Elizabeth patted her with affection, she wiped away the tears and took a deep breath, and then she looked up. That’s when she saw him.

* * * * *

David hadn’t been to the camp in years, not since he and Elizabeth worked there together. For some reason, he had felt compelled to walk those long-forgotten trails that charming Saturday morning. He was a strong, slightly muscular man and was in excellent shape. His hair was the color of the autumn leaves, and even though he kept it short, there was just a hint of waviness to it.

With determination, he climbed to the top of Prayer Mountain, savoring the invigorating walk with every step. He’d forgotten how picturesque it was.

It didn’t take long for him to travel up the mountain. As he neared the top, he thought he saw someone just staring at the cross. He thought for a moment. Since it was summer, he knew that there would probably be campers on the trails. He decided to keep going and hoped he wouldn’t disturb whoever was up there. Nothing would’ve equipped him for who was standing there at the foot of the cross. When he arrived at the top, their eyes met. It was Elizabeth.

Penny, always ready to make a new friend, ran toward David. Caught off guard, Elizabeth jerked forward, and David lurched forward to catch her just before she fell. For a small- to medium-sized dog, Penny was strong and fast. Neither David nor Elizabeth was prepared for the immediate physical contact.

David, she gasped, I’m so sorry. She flushed as she looked him in the eyes from both embarrassment and the fact that she was this close to him. Her heart was galloping in her chest in a way it hadn’t in years. He still took her breath away without even trying.

No, no, it’s all right. Are you okay? he asked in a very concerned and caring tone. She looked just as beautiful as she had the last time they saw each other, delicate and yet strong. Apprehensively, he helped her to stand up. As he did, he studied her.

She was wearing a plain purple T-shirt and denim shorts, definitely dressed for hiking in the summer. Brown curls were loosely pinned half up and half down, though a little messy from the near fall. Still, he couldn’t help thinking of how beautiful she was at that moment staring at him all wide-eyed. Her brown eyes reflected the sun with little golden flecks around the edges. David shook the thoughts from his head.

Elizabeth righted herself. Trying not to draw attention to the fact that he made her knees knock, she replied, Yes, thank you. Penny howled as if demanding attention. A good distraction for both of them, neither of them wanting to acknowledge how the other made them feel.

And who is this? David asked as he stooped down to greet the enthusiastic pup. He petted her all over, and Penny rolled onto her back to give him better access to her stomach. She loved it when her belly was rubbed.

This is Penny. She joined him on the ground. She loves making new friends.

Well, Penny, it is nice to meet you.

They lingered there for a moment, not knowing what to say. Instead, they focused on giving Penny extra attention until their hands brushed against each other. Quickly, they stood back up, and Elizabeth asked, So how have you been? I wasn’t expecting to see you. An understatement for sure, but Elizabeth was trying to sound nonchalant.

Doing great. I’ve been busy at work just plugging away. Today, I just had this urge to go on a good walk, and what better place than here? He winked and gave a modest grin. How about you? Are you still substitute teaching?

No, I’ve actually been working as an instructional aide for the past year now.

That’s great! I’m happy for you.

They stood there for what seemed like an eternity, both feeling awkward, not knowing what to say. The last time they had seen each other was the last day of work for the summer five years ago. Technically, they were not on lousy terms, but they also had not contacted each other in any way, shape, or form since. Now after all this time, neither one knew what to do or say.

After a couple of minutes, Elizabeth finally said, Well, it was great seeing you, but I better get going.

Yeah, me too. You look great by the way, David said awkwardly. Both of them were relieved that the other didn’t want to prolong this uncomfortable encounter, yet David couldn’t help but compliment her.

Thanks. She blushed again. You too. Well, goodbye.

Bye.

They commenced in opposite directions when David suddenly turned and yelled, Elizabeth! She spun around, and he continued, We should get together sometime and catch up.

Confused but also trying to be polite, she responded, Sure, I’d like that. Pausing, she shyly added, My number hasn’t changed. Call or text me sometime.

* * * * *

David got home and still could not believe he had bumped into her, Elizabeth. Ekklesia wasn’t exactly a large country, so it’s not totally out of the question to run into people you haven’t seen in a while, especially in their area. It was very rural and full of tight-knit communities.

Everyone knew everyone in all the towns around that camp. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that maybe it had been a miracle that they hadn’t seen each other sooner.

He thought back to the summer they worked together. They had become fast friends and developed a connection he had never been able to explain. Then halfway through the summer, he noticed something was bothering her.

During mealtime, she started going outside by herself and was withdrawn and borderline unsocial. David was very concerned even though whenever they worked near each other, she still bantered and everything with him, but she did not come to relax in the staff lounge after hours anymore.

The other staff members just shrugged off this behavior change, but David could not. He was not sure if she was trying to avoid him or someone else or if there was something else going on. After about a week, he decided to confront her, but it still took a bit for him to get her to open up.

When he finally got her to talk to him, she confessed to him that she had feelings for him. He was shocked but hastily shut her