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Eyelids already closed, her covered head began to droop as
well. The journey from Galilee to Bethlehem was one long, dry path consisting
of a many day journey. Knowing that they would be gone for several weeks, the
couple had prepared well, regardless of their humble circumstances. Great care
had been taken to prepare a borrowed donkey and the food and bedding necessary.
The husband, Joseph, was constantly amazed at his wife’s diligence and
determination. Preparing for a long journey is always a difficult task, but in
her current condition, it was nothing short of a miracle that she was able to continue
all the way to Bethlehem. Her first-born child would soon be arriving and while
they didn’t know how much longer it would be they hoped to at least be in the
city upon the child’s arrival.
Her head suddenly snapped up as she jolted awake. Riding atop
donkey is not exactly a pleasant task, but her husband wouldn’t allow her to
walk any farther. Honestly, she wasn’t sure she could walk at this stage
anyways. Every step felt as heavy as lead when she tried to shuffle forward. In
the last hour, a sharp pain had begun to pulse throughout her body. When Joseph
turned and saw her doubled over in pain, he quickly helped her onto the donkey
and began to lead them both towards the city.
As they neared the city, fear gripped her heart. She knew
that her time was nearing, but she was so far from her mother and sisters and
anyone who could help her. How could she possibly fulfil this alone? The sheer
panic of pre-motherhood was enough to keep her thoughts occupied for the entire
journey. Keeping a prayer in her heart and a hand resting gently on her
stomach, she was led into the unknown.
I like how short and simple this is. It is true that Mary was probably a bit frightened, nervous, in pain. I like how you portrayed this, and made it feel like just a snapshot of a larger story, a little insight into more.
ReplyDeleteI love how you reference her fear of not being near her sisters or mother. I think that is such an important part of the culture, though I don't know much about it. I would assume, like most cultures, having close female relatives nearby is ideal, especially for a first born. This is a really subtle part, but I think really important.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about the possibility that Mary felt alone, but after reading this it makes total sense. Having family around during birth is a big deal, and she had to pass that up. I love how you go deeper into both Mary and Joseph's feelings. It really makes me ponder this more and think outside what we read in the scriptures.
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