Casey shook her head. “How could my sins not be worse than someone who has no idea about life with an outlaw gang?” She resumed her position in the rocker. The pain and suffering of those years apart from God took form in the agony ripping at her heart.
“Perhaps I can explain it to you in a different way,” Sarah said. “Do you recall seeing animal tracks in the snow?”
She nodded, wondering what Sarah was about to say.
“Birds make tiny tracks and small animals make bigger ones. Larger animals leave their prints in the snow. Then along comes a man in his wagon that leaves huge wheel tracks. So the perfect blanket of snow becomes covered with all types of imperfections. When spring arrives and thaws the ground, all the tracks are melted away. That is what Jesus did when He died for our sins—not just for some sins but for every single one of them.”
No longer could Casey contain the sobs, and she buried her face in her hands. All of this time, she had read of God’s endless love and mercy, but not until this moment did she fully understand. He had forgiven her. The realization rang through her head—wonderful, startling, and incredibly freeing. She sucked in a breath. “How do I rid myself of this horrible guilt?”
“Just ask God,” Sarah said. “The guilt you feel is not from Him, so give Him those feelings.”
“But I need to settle up with the law.”
“Indeed you do, but I know God will help you. Have you considered having Morgan work in your behalf?”
“He wants to, but I’m not sure how I feel about it.”
“I can tell he loves you. I imagine the thought of Jenkins after you must drive him nearly mad. That dear man.”
Sarah knows what Morgan will not tell me. “Thank you so much. You have no idea what your words mean to me. Every Sunday, my thoughts wrestle with avoiding Sheriff Kahler and worshiping God. If you don’t mind, I’d like to go to my room for a little while.”
“Go right ahead. I think it’s time for me to rest, too.”
Casey stroked the older woman’s face. “I love you, Sarah.” The woman’s words were engraved forever in her heart. Life didn’t promise any reprieve from Jenkins or the law, but she was free of the guilt. Without a doubt she must pursue a lawyer and face what a judge and jury decided. Her deeds would be reckoned with, and her life finally put at rest.
The next day, Casey approached the reverend. She found him in his study, preparing Sunday’s sermon. As she sat across from his massive desk, she found it difficult to begin. He’d been gracious enough to give her employment and a place to live. At last she spilled out the words like a waterfall tumbling over rock.
“Don’t you remember telling me if I ever had any questions I should simply ask?” he said.
The birds sang outside the open window, and the delicate fragrance of roses scented the air. “Yes, sir, but I deliberately lied to a man of God.”
“Don’t you think I suspected something amiss when you rode in here that first day?” He eased back in his chair. “When we stood by the well and shared the cool water, God spoke to me. He told me you were the one to nurse Sarah. I’ve never regretted it. You’ve made peace with God, and I am happy for you. Sarah and I love you, and we will support you as you strive to make things right with the law.”
“I don’t deserve your goodness, and I thank God for putting you and Sarah in my life.”
“Let’s pray together for God’s guidance.” The reverend held her hand and prayed while Casey listened. The tears slipped from her eyes, cleansing drops of thankfulness to the One who sustained her. “Heavenly Father, thank You for drawing us all closer to You in times of distress. Thank You for bringing this precious young woman here so we could help her through these difficult circumstances. Guard her safely, Lord, and show us Your will in all things.”
No matter what, Lord, help me to tell Morgan’s family.
Chapter 19
Morgan swung his ax through the top of the log and split it deftly in two, then tossed it to the side with the others. Keep this up, and he’d have enough firewood for the next year. Sweat poured from his face and into