Jesus said, “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth 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 tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
“But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, 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 Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner 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 unexpected hour.” Matthew 24:32-44
Dear Aunt Elizabeth,
Things have gone from bad to worse on this trip. Joseph has been frustrated with the delays, due to our changing routes and my need for rest and relief. Last night he was trying to hurry, I was riding, and the animal pulled back from him and I fell off! Now do not worry, I am all right and the baby is all right too! We are going to rest in this place for a day or two, as I am very bruised and sore, and Joseph is blaming himself since he was rushing. In trying to avoid the crowds on the main roads, we have made everything harder for him, well actually, for both of us. A nice couple has offered us accommodations, although it may be at a higher price than we can afford, but Joseph is insisting we stop for a few days before the final push to Bethlehem.
The weather is much colder up here in the high hills, and we have to dress warmer when we next set out. There is so much that is unpredictable, so much that is out of our control! I am ashamed to say that I get angry sometimes and blame Joseph. I always ask his forgiveness, since he did not ask for this and is doing his best in all things. He snaps at me on occasion too, but mostly keeps quiet and thoughtful while I fall apart. I am so enormous and unwieldy, and now, the bumps and bruises make even lying down uncomfortable. Our landlady has brought soup and bread and some tea she promises to help me to sleep. She is very anxious, though. I overheard her say to her husband that the last thing she wanted was the mess of a woman giving birth in her guest room!
I will keep you posted. For now we will rest and try to quiet our hearts and minds. This journey and this child are God's. We are feeling very alone since we really cannot confide in people who this child belongs to. They would all shun us and send us away. Yet, we keep praying and trusting that God is walking with us, falling with us, stumbling along with us. I am carrying the Incarnate One! How can this be, and yet here we are, on the road to a new future!
Please keep praying for us!
love,
Mary
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