Though exausted, Seth was glad to see his loving family after his long trip to Nain and back home again. Zabina had prepared a hearty meal and Joash was full of questions. Where did you go? What did you do? And why?

“Well. Joash, you know how we have such a time growing wheat in this rocky soil?” Joash nodded his head. “I had heard about a man who was getting too old to farm and he wanted to sell his land. I thought I would go there and have a look at his field.” Seth raised his eyebrows and nodded toward Joash, “A big field,”

“What was it like?”

“Oh, Joash, you would not believe this beautiful land. The grass was so lush and green.”

“What does lush mean?”

“It was healthy land, no rocks! Beside the wheat field, more grassy land went up the hill for the goats.”

“Goats? I’ve never seen goats. Can I go visit this land?”

Seth smiled and then glanced over at Zebina who sat quietly staring at the floor with her hands folded in her lap. Seth sat up a little straighter and settled into a different position toward Zebina so as to include her in the conversation. She looked up at him and their eyes met.

Seth took in a deep breath. Then, plunging ahead, he said, “Well, Joash, we can do better than look. How would you like to move there?”

Move. The reality of the word struck Zebina’s heart. Tears immediately puddled in her eyes. She bent her head trying to hold back any flow.

“Oh, that would be fun,” Joash’s face was aglow. “Maybe we wouldn’t have to work so hard and throw rocks away all the time. I don’t know about the goats, but I guess I could learn to take care of them.” He paused and the joy slowly seeped from his face. “But, I wouldn’t be with my friends. I wouldn’t see Jesus any more.”

Zebina could feel her heart ripping in two. She knew the enthusiasm of her husband and felt the agony brewing in Joash’s mind. She looked over at Seth who stared at the floor.

Finally, Zebina reached over to touch Joash’s back. I know how you feel, Joash. I think about my friend Mary and our other friends we have known for a long time, but perhaps when we go to festivals in Jerusalem we could travel with them when they pass by. That way we could be with them all the way to Jerusalem and back. Besides, you can meet new friends in this new place and learn to do new things.” Joash turned these things over in his head. Zebina continued, “Papa loves us and wants to take care of us. He feels this is best for our family.”

It took great effort to say all those things to Joash with her own heart breaking, but she managed to honor her husband before the tears broke through and ran quietly down her cheeks. Seth reached out and took her hand. Nothing more needed to be said.

Joash sat with a frown on his face and his mouth kind of twisted like when he’s thinking about something real hard. “I guess it would be good to learn new things, maybe even new people. I sure hate to be away from my friends.” He sat silent another moment then blurted out, “But I do hate rocks!”

They all broke out in laughter and Seth gathered them together in his arms. “Aren’t we glad we have each other. Let’s get some rest and we can talk again tomorrow.”

With that, they all prepared for bed and covered their anxiety with sleep.

~ Joyce ~