Ashley played the final notes on the keyboard, her clear voice carrying over the congregation. Her heart was full. Ever since the night of the concert at church three months ago, she’d been spending each morning in prayer, and God had restored her gift of songwriting. Her energy levels had increased (probably also because Noah was now sleeping through the night), and she now sang with the worship team at church. This morning was particularly meaningful, since she and the worship team performed several songs she had written. Nothing gave her more joy than to lift her voice to God with the message He put on her heart.

            She turned off the keyboard and chatted with the other worship team members for a few minutes. She made her way down the hall toward the nursery, when Jacob approached with Noah in his arms. Ashley’s heart swelled at the sight.

            Noah reached his pudgy arms out toward her and she took him from Jacob, who kissed her cheek. “That was amazing. How did it feel to have everyone in the congregation sing your songs?’

            Ashley beamed at him as she bounced Noah in her arms. “Incredible. It was like a dream come true. Songs have always been a part of my life, but except for piano recitals as a girl, I never performed my songs for anyone. And to have our amazing, talented worship team perform them and have everyone sing along…” She swallowed against the lump that had formed in her throat.

            Jacob squeezed her hand. “I’m so proud of you. Let’s go out to lunch to celebrate.”

            “Sure. That sounds great.”

            They drove to the nearby diner and headed inside. Ashley spotted Dave and Lindsey, friends who must have just left church as well. They waved them over.

            “Come sit with us.” Lindsey patted the seat next to her.

            “The music was terrific this morning,” Dave said, as Ashley and Jacob joined them at their table. “You have a beautiful voice.”

            Jacob grinned at Ashley. “The music was especially good since Ashley wrote the songs.”

            Dave’s eyes widened. “That’s amazing. Did you know Justin Rivers was in the service this morning?”

            Ashley’s heart kicked up a notch. “The lead singer of Victory Song? No way! We went to their concert a few months ago. I love their music.”

            Dave laughed. “Well, the feeling is mutual. He sat beside us and I was talking with him after service. He was truly blessed by the worship music. He asked me who wrote the songs, and I didn’t know.”

            A server brought over a high chair and Ashley settled Noah into it. “Justin Rivers was asking about my songs? I can’t believe it. What was he even doing back at our church?”

            “It seems his sister lives in the area and he was visiting her for the weekend. She attends our church. Do you know Samantha Ridgeman?”
            Ashley shook her head. “No. I still can’t believe he was there and I didn’t know it.”

            Lindsey took a sip of water. “He said he likes to fly under the radar when he goes to church, especially when he’s away from his home church. He didn’t want to distract anyone from the service. He was only there to worship.”

            A few moments later, Ashley’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen. “It’s Leo. That’s strange. I wonder why he’s calling when we just left him.”

            “Leo, the worship leader?” Jacob asked.

            Ashley nodded.

            “Go ahead and answer it. We don’t mind.”

            Ashley connected the call. “Hey Leo, what’s up?”

            “I’m standing here with Justin Rivers. He wants to talk to you.”

            Ashley’s pulse skittered into overtime. “He does?”

            “Yeah. Can I put him on the line?”

            “Just a sec.” She muted her phone and stood. “Guys, Justin Rivers wants to talk to me. I’ll be right back.” She hurried out of the noisy diner toward a quiet place.

            “OK, Leo. I’m ready. Put him on.”

                                                                                             ~*~

            Ashley settled back against Jacob and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She sighed in contentment.

            “You seem happy.”

            “I’m deliriously happy. I can’t believe how much life has changed in the last six months. Back in the spring I was dreading leaving Noah in daycare every day, and I wasn’t writing songs. My relationship with God was stagnant. Now I’m writing songs for one of the top Christian groups, I get to join them for concerts sometimes, and I can write from home with Noah. I’m spending every morning in prayer, and I’ve never felt closer to God.”

            Jacob squeezed her tight. “I guess your season of drought is over.”

            Thunder rumbled overhead and rain pattered on the roof. Ashley grinned. “I’d say so.”

John 15:4-5

 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

God, when we follow You and remain close to You, You can do amazing things with our lives. Please help us put You first. You tell us in 1 Corinthians that we can’t even imagine what You have prepared for those who love You. Help us remember we don’t have to live our lives in our own strength. When we try to do so, we may find ourselves in a season of drought. But when we refresh our souls with Your living water and remain in You, amazing things can happen! Thank You for Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.