Zebina swept the floor for the fourth time, her mind playing Mary’s words over and over. The depth of Mary’s amazing, yet troublesome, news lingered day and night in Zebina’s thoughts.

“Are you still sweeping the floor?” Zebina’s mother called from the garden.

“Almost finished, mama.” Zebina quickly leaned the broom in the corner and hurried out of the house.

Her mother looked up and grimaced. “Can you help me with the vegetables? They are ripe and ready for picking. Bring another basket.” Zebina hurried back into the house to retrieve a basket, glad to have something else to think about.

Just as she had finally filled her basket, Mary came down the path with a traveling bag. “My mother and I are going to visit my Aunt Elizabeth,” she called.

Zebina’s mother looked up. “Well, that will be a nice trip. Zebina and I have gathered a harvest, would you like to take something with you for your trip?”

“No, but that’s very kind of you.”

Zebina’s mother stood with her full load of vegetables. “I’ll take our baskets in, Zebina.”

When her mother disappeared through the door, Zebina released a deep sigh. “Oh Mary, I’ve been so worried about you. How are you feeling? Have you told your mother? Why are you going to your Aunt’s?”

Mary held up one hand. “Whoa, one question at a time. I’m fine and yes, I told my mother. She was doubtful about all of it, but the very next day, a relative came to our house to give a report about Aunt Elizabeth. We never dreamed she would ever be able to have a child, especially at her age. Mama felt like we should get away for a couple of months to think things through. I really believe she mostly wanted to see if it’s really true about her sister. Anyway, that might make her more likely to believe my news.”

Zebina’s forehead wrinkled with worry. “Two months, you say?”

“Well, something like that. We’re not sure.”

“We’ll send a meal over to your father and brother while you’re gone,” Zebina offered.

“That would be nice.”

“And what about Joseph?”

‘I haven’t talked to him about everything yet.” Mary lowered her head. “That will be the hardest part.”

“I pray the Lord will be with you, my friend.”

“Thank you, Zebina.” They hugged and Zebina watched her friend step down the path and join her mother for the journey.

Zebina plodded with slow steps to the tree and slumped down facing away from the house. Tears threatened. What would Mary do when she feels the way I’m feeling right now? Hmm, she would pray.

It wasn’t Zebina’s practice to do much praying. Her forehead scrunched up trying to remember some of the prayers that the rabbi would pray from the holy books, but none would come to mind. Finally, she decided to just say her own words. Surely God would hear her and understand her plain talk.

“Holy God in heaven. I’m not much used to talking to you, but I’m feeling awfully sad about my friend, Mary,—well glad, too. You know all about it, of course. I just can’t believe that my friend, in this little town of Nazereth. is going to have a baby and that he will be your son, the Messiah. I ask you to help her be strong and that you help her know what to do about Joseph. I think that’s the main things. Amen.”

~ Joyce ~