Zebina felt like she was in a dream world or more like a lonely world of dread as she waited for Seth to return from his trip south to look over the new field. Would he find the area enticing enough to warrant a move?

A move. The very word stabbed at Zebina’s heart. Until a decision was made, she couldn’t talk to Mary about it, which made her feel even more lonely and fearful.

Joash came in for lunch. She couldn’t even talk to him about a possible change in their lives. No need to upset him if they ended up staying, so Zebina suffered alone with her thoughts and fears.

Joash chomped down on a mouthful of bread. “When will Papa be back home?”

“I’m not sure. He thought he might get there by noon and maybe . . .”

“Where did he go? And why?”

Zebina had feared Joash would start asking questions. “He went to visit someone on a farm south of here, near Mt. Tabor. He will probably be home before nightfall. Would you like one of these little honey cakes I made?” She hoped the thought of his favorite food would deter him from further questions. Thankfully, the cakes proved to be a good distraction.

“Mm, they were good, mama. I guess I better get back to the field.” As he ran out the door, he called back, “I’ll see Jesus tomorrow!”

The imaginary knife pierced Zebina’s heart again. Eyes closed, she lowered her furrowed brow and shook her head. Oh what pain a move would be for our only son—and for me, too.

The day felt endless to Zebina. She decided to busy herself in the garden. While pulling up a handfull onions, she thought, What if Seth can’t make it back before dark and decides to wait until morning to return? She released a heavy sigh.

Shoulders sagging, she trudged back into the house to wash the onions and clean the table and shelves. She pulled down the jar where they kept their money and discovered that over half of the coins had been removed. Another stab in her heart. Well, it looks like he headed off in ready preparation, she thought. She couldn’t restrain the tears.

Zebina had to step outside again and breathe in some fresh air. Far down the way, she thought she caught a glimpse of Mary. She made a quick dash around the house to be out of view. If she were with Mary, she would fall apart. So she lingered out of sight until she caught her breath, then she eased around the corner and back into the house.

What would Mary do if she were in my situation? Zebina paused in thought. She would pray. That’s what Mary would do.

Zebina sat on her stool, folded her hands to quiet herself, and began to pray. “Almighty God, in your word, you tell us to come to you in faith. I feel so unworthy to come before you, but I need your strength to help me through this ordeal. Our lives are in your hands. Help me be obedient to your plans for our family. Help me be a willing, faithful wife and mother. May I be your servant, oh Lord. Amen.”

As she sat still the next few moments, her heart settled into a steady beat. She sensed a calm for the first time since Seth mentioned a move. Her prayer was not eloquent or flowery like the rabbis, but her spirit was at peace. “Thank you, El Shaddai, Almighty God, the God who is more than enough,” she whispered.

Later, Joash came in from his work and washed himself. “Is Papa coming soon?”

“I hope so.”

Sure enough, just as the sun began sinking low in the western sky, the tall father/husband figure tramped past the wheat field and back to his family.

~ Joyce ~