There were a few moments of silence—followed by a softly whispered, “Thank you, Lord. Thank you.”

Kathleen could not have explained the deep feeling of peace that was stealing over her whole being.

* * *

Donnigan tossed another fork of hay into the manger for the milk cow. He was still shaken by Brenna’s simple prayer. Was that what Jesus had meant when He had spoken of becoming like a little child? Donnigan concluded that it well might be. Her faith had been so simple—so complete—her prayer so earnest from her childish heart—and she had walked away with a smile on her face and a lightness to her step.

“That’s what I’ve been wanting—longing for,” Donnigan told himself. “But I’ve been making the whole thing so difficult. Trying to sort it all out—make sure I was doing everything right. And it is as simple as that. Calling out to God—telling Him we’re sorry.”

Donnigan shook his head. His cheeks were wet with the wonder of the discovery.

“So what am I waiting for?” he suddenly said to Black. “Now that I know—why don’t I just—?”

And Donnigan tossed his fork into the pile of hay and fell on his knees in the bedding straw.

“Oh, God,” he began. “I come like Brenna. Thank you that you showed us the Way through a little child. We don’t need fancy prayers. Special words. We just need to come to you with honesty—and talk to you, Lord.

“Forgive me, Lord. Forgive me and give me your peace and cleansing. Help me to be the husband—the father—that I need to be. Help me to be a living sacrifice. Acceptable to you for the sake of Jesus—your Son—our Lamb. I love you, Lord. Help me to show it—through my life—through obedience.”

Donnigan waited in silence—his head bowed—his hands clasped in front of him.

A strange and gentle calm seemed to move into the crude farm structure and surround him. He couldn’t have explained why, but he knew that his prayer had been answered.

* * *

Kathleen ran from the little house. “Donnigan. Donnigan.” He would be so happy to learn that she had found the Way—the One that they had been searching for.

But before she had crossed the small yard she saw the barn door open and Donnigan was running toward her.

“I found it—I found Him!” he called across the short distance.

She could tell by his glowing face that he had something exciting to share.

“You, too?” she called back as she continued to run to meet him.

“And you?” he responded.

“Yes,” she laughed, the joy bubbling up within her. “Yes!”

“Oh, Kathleen,” he managed just before he reached her.

With shining eyes and overflowing hearts, they threw their arms around each other and joyfully laughed and cried together. Nearby, several small heads lifted and little eyes watched in curiosity and awe.

Then Fiona said simply, “Guess they’re happy ’bout something.”

“I think I know,” replied Brenna, her eyes glowing again.