Be Ready - Advent Letters Day 11

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." Matthew 24:32-44


Dear Elizabeth,

the travel is much rougher than I expected and we are making very slow progress. From time to time, it seems as though this baby is ready to jump out of me, my belly is so tight, and my patience so little. I am long past ready for this child to be born. I really don't want it to be in the next days, I really want to be home with my Momma and the women I have known all my life. But I am ready whatever happens. The women where we stayed last night gave me some extra supplies and told Joseph what to expect, if there was an emergency and we were on the road. He was horrified! He looked like a frightened little boy and I tried not to laugh. We women are a mystery to men, aren't we? Sometimes we are a mystery to our own selves. I often don't know what I want or need and am very emotional these days.

I had a few contractions the other day. The women last night, who were all very helpful and wise, told me that in the last month that happens. It is a way to prepare the body, like practicing. I guess I will have to be ready for anything. God asked me to do this and I said yes. Now I am not sure I can handle what is ahead, but at least I am more prepared than I was. I want to be brave but the travel is making me weak and tender. Joseph has been very patient and kind with me. I am very grateful he is my husband and that I am not alone on this journey.

much love

Mary