Seth, Zebina, and Joash began to settle in their new town of Nain. They met a few neighbors and developed their daily routines. Seth and Joash continued working the field of wheat to prepare for harvesting, while Zebina found her pathway to the well and planted her new garden.
Joash delighted in the goats, though he became the brunt of a few kicks. Zebina had her fair share of “hoof power” too while attempting to milk the goats, but alas she made friends with them and taught the ladies to behave.
On Sabbath day, they went to their synagogue and gave thanks for their new land, new friends, and new life.
As planned, year after year they met up with Mary’s family to make their yearly jaunt to Jerusalem for Passover. The trip there and back provided many hours for Zebina and Mary to catch up with each other’s lives. In the last few years, Zebina kept inquiring about Jesus. When did he plan to begin his ministry? Mary always said, “He will know when it is time.”
Meanwhile, Joash lived for those hours to be with Jesus, still his best friend. Jesus shared how he had to become the leader in their family with his father gone. He felt he had honed his skills with stone and wood. Joash, in turn, shared his many stories about the goats and had Jesus laughing as he described each new incident.
In no time, the two were in their twenties. “Our boys have become men now,” Zebina sighed.
Mary smiled. “Yes, where has the time gone? Jesus’ brothers and sisters are right behind him. He has been so faithful in teaching them as they work.” Mary rolled her eyes over at Zebina. “And taming their sometimes explosive behaviors.” Both friends nodded their heads toward each other and grinned. “Sometimes Seth has to do some taming with Joash.”
A family of younger children began chasing each other around the crowd of pilgrims. As they sat under the shade of a palm tree, Zebina’s expression changed. She stared at the ground in deep thought.
Mary noticed her friend’s solitude. “Something is heavy on your heart?” she asked.
Zebina managed a bit of a forced smile. “Oh, I was just thinking about how we were never able to have any other children. Of course, we’re blessed to have Joash. He is so special to us.”
Mary patted Zebina’s leg. “He is special to all of us, especially to Jesus. I remember that time when Joash came to us on our way home from Passover. If he hadn’t come to us asking where Jesus was, we would have had even more miles to go back searhing for him.”
“Joash was so upset that he had not asked sooner. He blamed himself for the whole thing.”
Mary shook her head. “No, Jesus was totally at fault for that one.” Zebina glanced over to see Joash and Jesus sitting under another tree, apparently deep in a serious conversation. She nudged Mary’s arm and nodded at their two sons. “They really are dear friends, aren’t they?” Mary said.
After a moment, they spontaneously turned to each other and both said, “Just like us.”
Before they knew it, they had come to the path where they had to separate for another year. Zebina had other friends in Nain, but none like Mary.
Another five years slipped by. Another five Passovers, then back to the routine. Zebina’s men once again prepared the wheat for harvesting, just like they had done for the last fifteen years. Zebina busied herself with the garden.
On this particular day, she had gathered several vegetables, took them inside to wash them and prepare for their noon meal. Suddenly, she heard Joash screaming, “Papa! Papa!” She dropped the onions and ran to look out the door.
~ Joyce ~