Bridge to a Distant Star - Carolyn Williford [100]
She smiled, despite her firm intention not to. “You think?”
He took off the cap and ran a hand through his hair. Slumping over with his forearms on his knees, Allistair looked up at her through squinted eyes. “Gotta tell you … I don’t know when I’ve ever started a date so badly.”
Michal had to giggle at his obvious distress and disarming honesty.
“So, does that reaction mean I get another chance?”
“Oh, I always grant do-overs. Like on the playground.”
Allistair grinned, eyes twinkling. “Exactly.”
“My dad says since we’re given grace, we have to grant it too. And do-overs are life’s way of making that possible.”
“I think your dad sounds like a wise man.”
Michal nodded matter-of-factly. “He is. And …”—she dramatically drew out each word—“ever so spiritual, too.”
She let Allistair suffer for a moment, looking into his openly vulnerable expression that almost broadcasted, How do I take this? Is she being serious? And then she burst into laughter again.
“Walked right into that one, didn’t I?” he asked, laughing along with Michal. “Can I try to explain my way out?”
“It’s a do-over.”
“Well … see, back then I thought everyone was called to the mission field, not at all understanding the idea of integration.” His face lit up, and he elaborated, “But here’s the way I understand it now: We’re all called to a lifetime of sharing the gospel. That might be in Africa, at an office, in a classroom of kids, or behind a register at a local grocery. Or it might be where I’m now convinced God wants me to go—to a church somewhere here in the States.”
Allistair grew more animated, using his hands to articulate his point. “I don’t think any one of those is a higher calling, Michal. The highest is wherever God wants me. And I think a person can be called to clean houses the same as someone is called to full-time vocational ministry. See, what’s important is … that I’m seeking his will for my life. What he wants me to do.” He looked at her intently—as though her opinion mattered to him. “Make sense?”
“I guess. I mean … I’m having a hard time with secular jobs being equal with a missionary or pastor. Isn’t full-time Christian ministry more important than other mere … jobs? And what if someone was really called to the mission field? Wouldn’t she be wrong not to go?”
“So are you assuming everyone’s initially called to missions or to work full-time in the church? And it’s only if those don’t work out that he or she is free to do other things? Jobs which aren’t as good or important as being a pastor or missionary?”
Michal started to shake her head no, and sat back against the bench. She chewed on a nail, peering intently at Allistair. “Well, I guess I am kind of saying that.”
He leaned closer to her, his eyes alight with enthusiasm. “See, that’s my point, Michal. I don’t think that’s true at all. I believe someone’s initial and highest calling could be to work a cash register at a grocery.” To her continuing doubtful look, he added, “Look at it this way. Can’t a clerk who’s committed to sharing the gospel reach people who come in the store every day? Why is that less of a ministry than those sharing in another country?”
“So being a grocery clerk is as high a calling as a pastor. Or a foreign missionary.” Spoken as statements, but in a skeptical tone.
He glanced toward the gymnasium, noting the groups of students making their way in. “Give it some more thought. How about if we talk more the next time?”
Next time. Michal noted his assumption, feeling excitement and apprehension in the same moment.
“We’d better roll or all the good seats will be gone,” Allistair continued. “And the bleachers during a game probably isn’t going to be the best place for a deep theological discussion.” The twinkle was back in his eyes again as he smiled down at her.
“I suppose not. Unless we’re going to scream our opinions at each other.” They laughed, and Michal grew more serious again. “You’ve given me some things to think about. Some assumptions … I guess I’ve always had.”
“I think that’s what a good class does. Makes you evaluate why you