She was dressed almost exactly as she had been two days ago; the only difference was that this time the shirt beneath the tied flannel was dark blue rather than pink. Mitch was surprised by Joanna’s appearance. Though Carolyn had told him how casually Joanna had been dressed the other day, he still half expected she would be decked out for the occasion in a flowing gown and that her hair would be blowing in the wind. Passing her on the street, one would never guess she was a minister. However, she was every bit as striking and memorable as Carolyn had described.

Mitch and Carolyn both reached forward to shake hands at the same time, and Joanna clasped both their hands together and vigorously shook them in an up-and-down motion. Mitch was musing that he had never felt such soft yet strong hands when Joanna said, “Mitch, it’s so nice to meet you. And Carolyn, you look even more beautiful than you did when we first met.”

“Well, thanks for the compliment, Joanna. But I think the first time I must have looked a mess because I was totally in shock!”

They all laughed politely and chatted about their surprise meeting as Joanna offered them a seat at her table and poured lemonade for everyone. Once they were seated, they waited for Joanna to speak, but she just folded her hands in her lap and sat silently.

Normally Mitch couldn’t stand the awkwardness that came with a gap in the conversation, but he had learned the other day that keeping one’s mouth shut was the only way to listen to God. The world was anything but silent. They all sat still and enjoyed the sounds of the flowers rustling, the birds singing, the wind whistling, and the city in the distance. Soon Mitch realized he could hear the beat of his heart.

After a few minutes Joanna broke the silence. Mitch and Carolyn opened their eyes when they heard Joanna’s voice.

She held her hands in front of her in the form of a cup and began to pray.

“We thank you, Lord, for bringing the three of us together this morning in the beauty of your garden, so that we might be one with your Holy Spirit. We share the faith that through your goodness and mercy you will allow us to discover the truth. Lord, I humbly ask that you allow this messenger to be blessed with the words that will bring healing to Carolyn and Mitch, so that they may in turn help others as they continue their journey of hope and forgiveness and, in so doing, glorify your name. We ask this in Jesus’s name, Amen.

She looked at Mitch and with her eyes invited him to speak.