speak to their mountains and actually make them move. Even
Clyde was leaning forward expectantly.
Looking for You All My Life75
"And now, I ask you, dear people," he implored, turning
back to face the congregation. "What miracle would you ask
of God today?" He pointed out the window again. "Surely
you do not wish to move these beautiful mountains! For then
what would you see but flat, barren ground?" The congre-
gation laughed.
Mr. Mitchell from the Gas-n-Go stood up just then. "I
have a suggestion, young man. How 'bout you pray for
snow so our businesses can keep from going broke this
winter?" Maggie wasn't sure if he was serious or not, but
several others chimed in their agreement. And suddenly she
felt worried for Michael. Was this some sort of test for him?
or Michael, standing bravely before them, all bundled up
i1~his
many layers of clothing, his simple faith so full of sin-
cerity. Yet how could he possibly understand the differences
in their cultures? How could he know how skeptical most
Americans could be about such things as faith and miracles
in the modern-day world?
But Michael nodded thoughtfully, as if seriously consid-
ering Mr. Mitchell's request. "Snow..." he repeated the word
"to help your village." That's when Maggie remem-
b5leOWlY~
red how much he disliked the cold and had seemed quite
apprehensive on Thanksgiving when she'd described snow
to him. Perhaps this wasn't the sort of miracle that he would
personally welcome. But Michael closed his eyes and lifted
his hands, imploring God to send them snow, "...send lots
of snow! So the good people of Pine Mountain might see and
know your power and might! That they might give you glory
and honor and praise! Amen!"
Some peered out at the still-blue sky, seemingly convinced
After the service people continued to talk about the snow.
that it was actually coming at any moment now. But most
appeared somewhat skeptical, although good-humoredly
-joking about how they had better be getting out their snow
shovels and waxing up their skis. Maggie wasn't even sure
what she thought, although the whole thing made her
extremely uncomfortable. Just the same, she heartily shook
L.
76Melody Carlson
Michael's hand and thanked him for sharing the good mes-
sage about faith.
By noon the following day, a canopy of lead-colored clouds
began to hang low and heavy, and a cold wind began to blow
from the north. Maggie stood in the newspaper's reception
area and stared out the window in wonder. She'd heard no
forecast of a weather change on the morning news today~er-