Zebina heaved two water jugs over her shoulders with the wooden bar in between. At least it’s easier going with empty jugs than coming back with full ones, she sighed as she shuffled along the path to the well. The sun shone bright on this cool moring and her friend would be at the well, so all was right with her world. When she turned at the bend of the path, round the big fig tree, and over the tree roots, she spied Mary pulling up her first bucket of water.

“Mary,” she called, “you’re one bucket ahead of me.”

“Indeed I am. Good morning, Zebina.”

Mary grinned and handed over the bucket. After they each had their turns at dipping ’til full, they sat to talk a spell, their favorite part of the morning.

Zebina started the conversation. “I’ve been thinking about the synagogue reading on the Sabbath. I didn’t understand why Elijah declared that there would be no more rain or dew until he said so.”

“I wondered that, too. My father said that King Ahab was an evil king and worshipped idols. God gave Elijah power to control the rain to defy the king. Then God provided meat and bread for Elijah. Later, when the brook dried up from lack of rain, he went to another town and asked the widow living there if she would bring him food. The widow lacked bread and water as well. She had only enough flour for one last piece of bread for herself and her son.”

“Ah,” said Zebina, “That’s when the miracle of the flour took place and then the widow had plenty!”

Mary chuckled. “Yes, she had plenty of oil and flour to continue feeding him.”

“My father doesn’t teach me like yours does.” Zebina’s mouth pouted. “Papa says it’s just for boys.” She pondered that thought a moment. “Speaking of boys, have you seen any more of Joseph?”

“He’s not a boy!”

“Well, no, but have you talked to him? Are your parents matching you up?”

“I think they’re discussing it with his family. He attended the festival last week and our families stood together afterward.” Mary leaned back, looking up at the sky. “He talks kindly to me and does a profitable business with his carpentry skills. I feel all warm inside when I’m close to him, but . . .” Mary shyly lowered her head, “but he is a bit older than me.” She grabbed both elbows and heaved a loud sigh. “I don’t know, it’s just kind of scary to think about being a wife.”

“I know what you mean. My parents have been talking about matching me with Seth.”

“The farmer?”

“Yes. My father says Seth owns the largest plot of land in Nazareth.” Zebina rolled her eyes sideways at Mary. “Of course, he’s about the only one who owns a plot of anything larger than a little garden.” Mary snickered and they both broke into laughter.

Zebina stood and gathered her two water jugs. “Well, speaking of gardens, those weeds are not going to pull themselves out of my garden. Besides, I need to get this water home.”

Mary lifted her jugs as well, both freinds huffing and puffing from the weight of them. “And my vegetables won’t pick themselves either, nor will the broom dust the floor by itself.” The two friends parted with smiles.

~ Joyce ~