Zebina spent many hours with Mary during the next two weeks, mostly to help her as she faced the changes in her life without Joseph; but also, Zebina felt the need to hold these precious memories close, knowing her own family would soon be moving.

Zebina noticed how Mary’s children hovered close to her in these days. As the two mothers sat observing Jesus, Mary told Zebina, “Jesus knows that the livelihood of the family depends on him. I watch as he takes leadership with his brothers to provide for our family. He worked alongside his father through much of his sixteen years. Now is his time to train his younger brothers.”

When Zebina returned home, she served the evening meal to her own hard-working men. “Joash, I know you have had very little time with Jesus these last days. He realizes that he must step up to provide for the family.”

“I know.” Joash stared at his plate of food. “Besides, we’ve been busy trying to clean around the field and make it ready for harvesting.”

Seth fidgeted this way and that on his stool. “Well, I have some news about that. I have talked to a man from Bethsaida who would like to buy our farm. He wants to have the field before we harvest so that he will have the income from it. He can pay me half, which works well for me. That will give us what we need to pay the other half of what we owe the man in Nain. Our new field there will be ready for harvesting to give us income.” Seth glanced over at Zebina, watching her reaction.

Zebina’s eyes met his. She knew this day was coming, but the reality hit hard again. She muffled her sigh, but her sagging shoulders betrayed her attempt to be pleased about the sale. “When do you think we will have to move?” she asked.

Seth thought a moment. “I would say about two days after Sabbath.”

In the next few days, Zebina picked vegetables, cleaned them, and clipped off the parts that were not needed. She gathered some rags to wrap her dishes, cups, and cooking bowls, pots, and utensils. She grabbed her broom and swept every corner, even the walls.

After Sabbath, Zebina made one last trip to be with Mary. Jesus graciously refrained from working a few hours so he could spend time with Joash. Zebina and Mary planned how their two families would meet and walk togther for the festivals in Jerusalem. Then, time came to depart. One last hug and a tearful good-bye.

Zebina wandered along the path in a daze. As she passed the well, she tenderly stroked its stone wall, remembering how she and Mary used to meet there each day. It brought back memories of dreaming about the husbands they would marry, planning their betrothels, and hearing about the angel’s appearance to Mary. She leaned over, peering into the deep well. The slight ripples distorted  her reflection, reminding her of the disoriented view of the next stage of her life.

What would the farm look like? Would she like the house? Would she find friends? Even one friend? No one could take Mary’s place. Would Joash find friends? Will he be happy? But the well could not answer her questions.

She straightened up and gazed up at the sky. When she closed her eyes, she said, “El Shaddai, Almighty God, only you know what is ahead. Help me to trust you.” When she opened her eyes, one large cloud seemed to be shaped like a crown. She smiled. Yes, you are King of the earth. You will lead the way. 

The next morning, they packed all their earthly possessions into the wagon and headed to Nain.

~ Joyce ~