CHAPTER THREE

Shadows and Light

Joey walked into the small café in Kentucky and immediately spotted Noelle and Dallas seated near the window. Morning light streamed through the glass and stretched shadows across the table.

A familiar feeling quietly tugged at Joey's heart.

The desire to remain needed.
The fear of distance.
The pressure to keep everyone close.

Conversation flowed naturally over coffee and laughter, though Joey noticed his thoughts moving elsewhere.

Questions silently followed him.

Are people pulling away?

Am I losing connection?

Why does change feel so heavy?
"Joey, you've been quiet."
"I feel like I hold onto people too tightly. When life changes, I feel like I am losing them."
"You love deeply, Joey. Nothing wrong with loving deeply. Yet love also learns trust."
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."

John 14:1

Those words followed Joey once again.

Later that evening Joey sat quietly beneath the fading sky and prayed:

"Jesus, help me release fear. Help me release anxiety. Help me trust You."

Warm peace quietly settled over him.

Joey finally understood something important.

Peace was never the absence of storms.

Peace was the presence of Jesus.