One afternoon, Amelia took a walk to the post office to mail a parcel. When she got there, she went to the post box to drop it in, when she overhead two men talking, and she recognized them immediately. It was their neighbor Mose Lapp and the bishop.
“I understand the worry about bad influence, bishop,” Mose said. “But the Frogs really are a nice family. They are a devoted couple, and they love their froglet very much. They’re nice people.”
“Yes, but they are also very different from us. They aren’t Amish, after all,” the bishop replied.
“Ah, but they are our neighbors,” Mose said. “And doesn’t the Bible say we are to love our neighbors?”
“That is true…” the bishop said soberly. “That is something that has been on my mind lately. Every single one of us will meet our Maker one day–that is a guarantee. And how we have treated our neighbors will matter to Him.”
“Are there any worries you have about the Frogs?” Mose asked. “Besides them not being Amish?”
“Those books Amelia edits for Patricia Johns,” the bishop said. “Your wife seems to love them.”
“May I confess something?” Mose asked.
“Certainly.”
“I’ve read them, too, and they’re awfully good,” Mose said.
Amelia smiled to herself. She really shouldn’t be listening in, but it sounded like she and George were going to be a hot topic of conversation for a little while. And she wasn’t sure how she felt about that!
When Amelia got home again, she and George took Brigette outside to play. While Brigette explored her daddy’s straw hat, Amelia and George discussed what Amelia had overheard.
“Are we really so shocking?” George asked.
“Apparently we are,” she replied. “I’d thought we were rather conservative frogs in the grander scheme of things.”
“So did I,” George agreed.
Mary Lapp came trotting across the yard, a basket over one arm and a smile on her face.
“Hello, neighbors!” Mary called. “I made some extra muffins and I thought you might enjoy some!”
“This is very kind of you, Mary,” Amelia said. “We were just talking about the bishop. We hope he lets you remain friendly with us.”
“The bishop is a good man,” Mary said. “He is thoughtful, and he’s a bit of a worrier, but given some time he tends to land on some good, respectable decisions.”
“I do hope so,” Amelia said.
“Sometimes,” Mary said, “you just need to give people time to get there.”
But waiting was the hardest part, and Amelia didn’t mind admitting that this had hurt her feelings. She and George loved their new home and their new neighbors.
And when Mary left again, Brigette pulled off her daddy’s hat and gave her parents a toothless smile.
They were not so different, Amelia thought. They loved their baby, and they did their best to run a good business. They really had more in common the bishop seemed to think. But maybe he needed some time to realize it.
The next day, the bishop came to the Froggy Amish B&B. When Amelia opened the door, she looked at him in surprise.
“Bishop!” Amelia said. “I was expecting our next guest!”
“I won’t take up much of your time,” the bishop said. “I know you are busy frogs, and I have much to do today, too.”
“Come in, come in,” Amelia said. “How can I help?”
“Well, Amelia,” the bishop said slowly. “I read one of those books you lent me, and it was very good. You’re right–the story was incredible. I felt swept right along with it. But I have a problem.”
“Oh?” Amelia asked worriedly.
“I haven’t finished the second book–the mystery,” the bishop said. “And I’ve got so much to do that I fear I won’t be able to finish it while seeing to my duties. So… would you tell me how it ends?”
“You want me the spoil the ending?” Amelia gasped.
“Yes, please. I really want to know what happens.”
Amelia smiled. “I wouldn’t normally do this, but I will make an exception for you, Bishop.” And she told him how the story unfolded.
And even though he was very busy, the bishop decided to stay for a cup of coffee and a cookie. He sat down with George and they talked about the weather, and when Brigette came sweeping through in her walker, chasing the cat once more, the bishop was the one to shoot out a hand and catch her.
“I have grandchildren Brigette’s age,” the bishop said with a wink. “I’m still pretty fast!”
And they all laughed together. They really did have more in common than not.
I hope you enjoy these little froggy tales, and while you’re at it… have you checked out my newest release, Green Pastures? I think you’ll love it!
Happy reading!
❤
Patricia Johns 
Your comments make me feel warm and fuzzy. Seriously!