Trials of a Christian Teenager

Darla continued to brush Princess in silence. Something told her, her brother was not happy in his marriage, but it was not her place to meddle in his private affairs.

"Dan, do you and Cindy have plans for tonight? Darla asked, putting her brush aside.

"No, is there something you would like to do?" He asked, considerately.

"Yes, but I need your help."

"I will do what I can."

"I suddenly have this strong yearning to visit the park ministry. I really do not understand why because I have not even attended one church service since I left for college. I promised my mother three years ago I would never enter the park. My parents cannot know if I go. Would you go with me? I know you go with Kelley occasionally."

"I will be glad to take you. Perhaps the yearning you are feeling is the Holy Spirit dealing with your heart."

"Perhaps you are right."

With the horses tended to, Darla and Dan returned to the house, where Mr. Roberts, his wife and Cindy sat visiting in the family room.

"Cindy, what do you say we treat your cousin to a night on the town?" Dan asked, secretly making Darla's way of escape.

"I think that will be fun." Cindy answered, getting up from the sofa ready to leave.

"You are fine." Dan assured.

"Mother, Dad, I will not be late." Darla said respectfully, giving her parents a kiss.

"Have fun, kids." Mr. Roberts said.

Darla silently sat in the backseat of Dan and Cindy's car, as Dan informed Cindy of Darla's wishes.

"Dar, are you sure you should go to the park?" Cindy asked, with worry on her face.

"I need to go, Cindy. Perhaps if I visit, I will have more understanding in putting my life in order." Darla answered, honestly.

"Cindy would you like to join us, or would you rather I take you home?" Dan asked.

"Home, I am not as daring as my dear cousin." Cindy answered, giving Darla a gentle smile.

"I am glad you are with me, Dan because I do not believe I could ever come here alone."

"And you never should come alone." Dan advised.

Darla was silent now, as the couple entered the darkened City Park, the dim park lights barely aiding one in finding their way. Approaching a group of teenagers sitting in a circle, Darla spotted Kelley with his Bible in his hands, as he shared scriptures with the group. Taking hold of Dan's arm to prevent them getting too close, Darla not wanting to intrude, she sat down on the grass. Tears were soon escaping, making their way down Darla's cheeks as Kelley spoke on one being a drifter, a drifter from the Lord. Secretly and quickly, Darla brushed her tears away, not wanting Dan to know of her crying.

At the close of Kelley's simple sermon for the simple people before him, Kelley offered individual counseling as Darla had once done.

"We best go, it is getting late and I do not want to worry my parents." Darla suggested.

Returning home and goodnights said Darla took a long leisurely bath. Her thoughts reviewed her past few years of living a sinner's life. What had seemed fun and exciting now brought embarrassment to her and now she questioned herself, how and why she had strayed from the Lord.

Slipping into her nightclothes, Darla sat down at her bathroom vanity, looking at herself in the mirror, as she placed curlers at the ends of her long hair. Her eyes searched her reflection, digging deep into her heart.

"What is my future? What does my future hold for me?" She questioned. "What all have I missed out on in fulfilling God's plan for my life?"

Finished curling her hair, Darla now sat closer to her mirror as she touched up her eyebrows, arching them perfectly. Upon her completion, she took one last long look at herself, her face now flushed, as shame tugged at her.

"Oh no, how could I give of myself to Phil and how could I do this to myself, to Kelley and all before you, God?" Tears now streamed down her young tender face. "Oh, Lord, surely this is the unpardonable sin. How could Kelley ever forgive me of this?"

Leaving her bathroom, Darla removed her Bible from her dresser. It had been so long since her heart had longed to read from the sacred book. She read for hours and it was as though she could not consume enough, quickly enough.

The words, "Come just as you are" seemed to stick in Darla's head, regardless of the many different passages she read. It was as though the words became louder and louder in her head. Notwithstanding the echoing words any longer, she began to cry. She poured her heart out to the Lord, inviting Him, begging Him, to be Lord, Master, Father, Brother, Savior, and Comforter.

"Not my will thus forth Lord, but thine will." Darla promised, as she ceased her praying.