(Continuing the adaptation for blog of TWO FROM GALILEE, thanks to author, M. Holmes)
Mary and Joseph had spent their first night together in the home Joseph was building with Mary soundly sleeping and Joseph studying the scriptures rather than tossing and turning. He worried, "Will people be so offended by her pregnancy that they quit their patronage of his work?" So, his faith floated in and out of him.
But, the farmers began to come in, wanting tools readied for spring. He guessed people forgave easily in Nazareth, and even asked after his "good wife." His proud response of, "Fine, fine," was made as if the coming child was his own. It was then the sweet breezes of God blew in and he could meet easily the challenge of his tasks. He was working for love; either for the love of his wife or his love of God. So, he whistled as he worked--and he prayed.
Snug in the house, Mary worked side by side with Timna, Joseph's mother, and felt at peace. Timna was glad that Mary had come home, but saddened that Joseph's father, having died earlier, would not be there to enjoy the wee one. And "Jacob always looked forward to having a grandson to teach his trade." Mary thought, "A carpenter's trade for the son of God?" She dared not speak of it.
The rains finally stopped and the cold set in. Joseph tightened the cracks in their house and went up the hill to do the same for his father-in-law's home. The women wove extra blankets and swaddling clothes for the babe of soft camel's hair. Their old friends in Nazareth had many "Cures" for pain expected for the pregnant mother, and Mary, fearful of their tales, listened politely.
What really consumed Mary's attention was the earth and sky! One merging with the other, resting after summer's life, already rich with the hidden burden of new life. The ancient command, "Be fruitful and multiply!" would again be fulfilled, for soon the spring rains and the warm sun would once again fulfill God's command. "How joyous it was! How awesome!" she thought. "And eternal!" But, were they the only things fashioned by God destined to be eternal? Or is there something more, something, perhaps meant to give the world through His coming child?"
As close as Mary was to Timna, it was her mother that she missed the most, especially as her time grew nearer. More and more often she climbed the hill to be with Hannah for a while. Mary expected to be ordered about, but it felt good, curiously like being a little girl again. One day when they were dyeing yarn out in the yard, Mary asked her mother, "When my time comes you will be my midwife won't you, Mother?" "Do you really want me? What about Timna?" Hannah said. Quickly, Mary said, "Mother, she isn't the midwife you are! I wouldn't feel safe with anyone else." Hannah, stabbing at the yarn she was dyeing, "All right, if that's what you want. And, I hope it will go easy with you, my child." "I'm not afraid, Mary answered. "God will be with me."
"He'd better be!" Hannah blurted. "Mother! Mother, must you always speak so?" And Hannah replied, "I'm sorry, girl. I have no gift of words. I only meant that if this is god's doing, if it indeed is the miracle you believe, why then will you need a crude servant like me?" And Mary replied, "I don't know. There is so much I still don't understand, myself. Another miracle may yet bring this divine child forth. Yet I must be prepared, since I don't know all of God's plans." And she continued, "It's the not knowing that's hard. It's that, and only that of which I am afraid, "I confess."
They were closer after that. The air had been sweetened, finally, by their words and the coming event. Thus when Joseph came up one night to join them for a meal, they were astounded at his news. "There has been news from Caesar........" (End of today's story)
Thus, the plot thickens, just as our own lives also change as our plots thicken. But, there must be no fear, for God's in charge of our lives, just as he was in the life of Joseph and Mary.
Love and trust,
Jo INMN
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