Halfway to forever by Karen Kingsbury

Now if God said it, I believe it. In this case, the words
are God's, not mine. We are left to stand back and look at
the larger picture, the picture of Christ as our merciful
God and Savior. Why would He say, "Except for marital
unfaithfulness?" I have to believe its for this reason: When
a person's spouse isunfaithful-physically or otherwiseand
has a hard heart toward reconciliation, God does not
seem to condemn the faithful spouse to a life of isolation.
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Therefore, though the Lord hates divorce, the faithful
spouse who remarries is not guilty of adultery. That's how I read it, anyway. If you have any questions,
contact me at the church office.
Sincerely, Pastor Steve
With each clear-cut sentence, a river of peace flowed more freely in jade's heart. She blinked twice so
she could see through her tears. "But I was at fault, too. I lied to Jim about Ty from the beginning." The
pastor bit his lower lip. "Well, Jade, you shouldn't have lied, but the test God gives us isn't one of
perfection, it's one of intent." He studied her. "Did you intend to see your marriage end
in divorce? Even at the end?"
Jade shook her head. "No, even after I found Tanner again I wanted to make things work with Jim. He was
my husband. But by then Jim had made up his mind."
There was silence between them for a moment, and Jade remembered her feelings from earlier that
afternoon. "I guess there's only one other thing." Her eyes settled on her hands and she noticed they were
trembling. "I feel like I'm dying. Maybe even tonight."
At that moment, a door opened in the back of the church, and Jade turned just as Tanner rushed in. When
he saw her, he stopped, his eyes locked on hers. Even from. a hundred feet away, Jade could feel his
apology, read it in his face and hear it in his unspoken words.
Her heart filled with a joy so strong it nearly eclipsed her fears. She soundlessly mouthed the only thing
that came to mind, a truth that started her crying in earnest and made her ache for his touch: "You came."
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Pastor Steve nodded toward Tanner, cleared his throat, and patted jade on the knee. "I'll be in my office if
either of you need me."
When he was gone, Tanner came to her, lifted her from the chair, and cradled her close to his body as
though she were a small child. His tears mingled with hers as he brushed his cheek against her face. `Jade.
I'm so sorry, baby"
With every ounce of her remaining strength, she held on to
him, breathing in the smell of him, savoring his heartbeat against
her chest. Careful not to bump her arms or legs, he sat down in
the wheelchair, still holding her close.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder. "Don't let go of me, Tanner,
please." Two quick sobs slipped from her throat. "I'm so afraid."
"Of what, sweetie?" He drew back enough to see her face. His voice was like a caress. "Tell me."
"Of dying." She sniffed. "I think I might die tonight." "Tonight?" Tanner's eyes grew wide and his
expression softened even more. "Honey, don't say that."
"But I'm so scared..."
"You?" He looked genuinely puzzled. "I thought you
were... you always say everything is fine." He nuzzled his face
against hers. "Baby, how long have you felt this way?"