Song of Life 14

Saying goodbye, moving ahead

By worship day, everyone in the village knew the family was going to the city. The worship leader recited a passage about family and Sarabek’s eyes filled with tears as they all sang together about the heavenly plan for each family and the family of God. Sarabek knew she might soon be part of a new family and would be blessed with her own children, perhaps very soon. She dried her tears and rejoiced that the bond of family love could not be broken over time or distance. The whole village took turns hugging her family after service and everyone’s hearts were very full as they parted. She and Ruth embraced and agreed that they missed Judith but that the three young women would remain friends no matter when they might see one another again.

Early the next morning, the family gathered and loaded the small cart with their belongings. They prayed together and the women took their places with Samuel and they started for the city. Friends already working outside in the village waved as they went by and blessed their trip.

Little Samuel was intrigued by everything new he saw, pointing and babbling. Mary told him what he was seeing and he quickly wore himself out with excitement. After a water break, he settled down in his mother’s arms and slept until the stop for the midday meal. Everyone enjoyed the food and wine and the trip continued.

All along the way, people working in their fields and outside their homes waved to the travelers. In the late afternoon, they began to approach the city. They had made very good time and arrived at the gate well before sundown.

Sarabek had been quiet on the trip. She was deep in thought, first about her family and home, the village and friends and then about what was to come in the city. She thought about what would happen if she was chosen to be the bride of the heir. Her Mimi’s voice kept coming back to her and it gave her assurance that God’s plan for her life was moving forward. She looked around at her family members and knew that if she was not chosen, they would go home together in peace and joy. The security of their love gave her strength and she quieted her soul as they neared the gate.

At the gate, her father showed a talisman the men from the government had given him. A guard escorted the whole family to a side entrance of the palace. After their belongings were taken from the cart, James went with the escort to see the donkey safely stabled. The family entered the palace and went to rooms prepared for their use. Everyone was overwhelmed with the beauty and comfort of their accommodations. Sarabek had a room connecting to that of her parents and she looked longingly at the comfortable bed that awaited her. Servants brought a spread of delicious food for their evening meal that was set out on a table in the large room John and Naomi shared. James arrived and said the donkey might never want to leave; his stable was like the palace and he was very comfortable. The men who had come to the village came to welcome them. After the greeting, the leader of the group said that in the morning, the family would be introduced to some of the household. He wished them all a peaceful night’s rest and said he would return in the morning to lead them. John thanked them and asked that their thanks for the welcome be passed on. The leader agreed and the men left them.

The servant who remained in the room to see to their needs asked that they leave their travel-stained clothing outside their doors for cleaning the next day. Naomi expressed her thanks. The servant said that when they were done with the evening meal, the room would then be cleared and cleaned before they retired.

The whole family was tired. Little Samuel had already been fed and put to bed in an adjoining room. Sarabek and her family ate of the delicious dishes and refreshed themselves with fruit juices. When the room had been cleared, they prayed together and gratefully found their beds.

Next:  The king’s choice