Song of Life 12

News from the city

The men arrived and after serving them, Naomi and Sarabek walked to Yacob and Mary’s house at John’s instruction. He said he would send James for them when the meeting was completed. As he walked them to the door, he whispered in Naomi’s ear that it would be good news and to not worry. Sarabek and her mother agreed that they would choose to be peaceful about the unexpected visit. Sarabek thought maybe the word about her father’s wine had spread and a merchant was interested in buying part of this year’s crop. Her mother agreed that would be good news indeed.

Samuel was very happy to see his grandmother and aunt and Sarabek took him into the garden to play. Mary’s morning work was almost completed and Naomi joined her, helping her finish so they could have tea and sit down together. It was not long before Samuel came in with Sarabek and wanted bites of the bread and dates his mother had set out for her guests and herself. After a few bites and his mother’s milk filling his tummy, it was naptime and Mary bundled him off to bed.

Naomi had told Mary that John said the news was good, so the women peacefully talked about the news of the village while they waited. It was not long before James came for them Naomi and Sarabek accompanied him back to their home. As they went, they asked James what the good news was. He said he did not know, that his father had simply told him it was good news and to fetch his mother and sister. John was waiting for them. At his father’s instruction, James returned to the vineyard.

John had Sarabek and Naomi sit down. He told them that the men from the city were from the government, sent by the king’s instruction. He explained to Sarabek that traditionally the king would send out messengers to invite young women to be considered as a bride for his heir. He told her that she had been recognized as an appropriate candidate when they were in the city for the public announcement. The men came to say she and her family were to go to the city in 7 days. The public wedding would follow 3 days later. John said the announcement of the wedding and feast to follow was being spread across the land and many would go to the city for the celebration. “Sarabek, I believe this is God’s plan for your life,” John told his daughter. Naomi hugged her and said “Remember your Mimi’s prophecy my child.”

Sarabek sat stunned by her father’s words. Being considered for the position of the heir’s bride was overwhelming to her soul, not the least of which was knowing it would mean leaving her family and home, her friends and village, and living where she could not see them daily. Then it occurred to her that, were she chosen, one day she would be queen. She could not imagine what it would be like to have servants instead of doing her own work at home. And what about her weaving? She loved making beautiful shawls, throws and blankets. But as queen, could she be able to still do such things? As these thoughts swirled through her mind, she realized her parents were watching her. She took a deep breath and looked at them. Her father opened his arms and she flew into his embrace. Just then, she needed the security of his love. Her mother joined them and the three hugged one another.

As she stood in the warmth and safety of her parents’ arms, a peace fell into Sarabek’s soul that washed away all the fear and confusion. A vision of her grandmother’s face arose in her mind; she remembered what Mimi had said to her about being the wife of a great man one day. She stepped back and looked at her father and then her mother. “I believe Mimi knew this was coming and her words were true,” Sarabek said. John said the men were waiting in the small village inn for his answer and Sarabek said she agreed with her father that it was God’s plan for her life. John hugged her and Naomi and left to give his answer to the government representatives. They would arrive in the capital city in 7 days for Sarabek to be considered as a bride for the king’s heir.

Next: Preparing for a journey