The Forest Ranger's Christmas by Leigh Bale

Gracie. But if what Frank had told him about her life was true, Clint figured she had a right to be cynical.
    Gracie rested her miniature hands on the back of Frank’s seat. “You think God would have helped the man down off the mountain if he’d prayed?”
    “I do,” Frank said.
    Gracie touched Clint’s shoulder. “But, Daddy, why wouldn’t God help him off the mountain without him praying first?”
    From Josie’s skeptical expression, Clint could tell she wondered the same thing. Her doubt caused an overwhelming conviction to rise within his chest. In spite of how Karen had died, he felt God’s presence in his life every day. The Lord had sustained him through a very dark time. Though he had his own failings, Clint couldn’t help wanting to share his belief with others.
    “He would have, if it had met His plan,” he answered. “But I think our Heavenly Father is just like regular parents. Sometimes, He waits for us to ask for His help.”
    Gracie angled her head closer, resting her cheek against the shoulder of Frank’s red flannel coat. “What do you mean, Daddy?”
    Clint was aware of Josie waiting for his response with rapt attention. Her eyes deepened to a cobalt-blue and flashed with doubt.
    “I sometimes stand back and let you figure things out on your own, right?” he said.
    “Yes, sometimes. But you help me all the time, too.”
    “That’s right. But I don’t want to interfere if you don’t want me to. I try to stand back and let you learn some things on your own, including how to ask for my help. And when you ask, I step right in, because I love you so much. Well, I think God sometimes does the same thing for us. He wants us to live by faith, so He stands back and waits for us to call on Him for help. We don’t always know His plan for each of us, but I do know when we call on Him in prayer, He answers us. Maybe not the way we want, and maybe not on our timetable, but He does answer. Every time. It’s our job to exhibit faith.”
    Speaking the words aloud brought Clint a modicum of peace. And it renewed his conviction that God loved him and Gracie. Clint knew the Lord wanted nothing but the best for them. And it also reminded him that he must not forget to call on God in prayer. To never give up hope.
    Gracie sat back, thinking this over. “But your parents are dead. Who helps you, Daddy?”
    “The Lord does. With God, I’m never alone.” Clint peered in the rearview mirror at his daughter’s puzzled expression.
    He also noticed Josie, who stared out the window, seeming absorbed in thought. He wished she’d say something. Because he didn’t know her well, he didn’t want to push. At least not yet. Karen had been silent and deadly, keeping her feelings bottled up inside until they’d boiled over in tearful rage. Frank had never mentioned if Josie had a temper, and Clint sensed that wasn’t her way.
    Now, he was concerned. Gone was her cheerful smile; her forehead was creased with distrust. For some reason, Clint didn’t like seeing this woman unhappy. And he hoped he hadn’t said anything to drive her further away from God. He still had the impression that something was bothering her. Something big. But it wasn’t his business to question her. He couldn’t interfere. Not unless she asked him to.
    Just like the Lord.
    After finding a place to turn his truck around, Clint parked in the middle of the deserted road. He doubted anyone else would come along and need to get by them while they were up on the mountain. If they did, he’d move his truck.
    He killed the engine, then opened his door and got out. “Okay, ladies, you get the chore of choosing the trees. Make sure it’s what you want before we start to cut, though. I only have three permits.”
    Frank gave an exaggerated cough, as though he was swallowing a heavy chortle. “No, we don’t want any more extra trees to explain to the forest ranger.”
    Josie’s chuckle sounded from behind him and Clint didn’t even try to