Nazareth to Bethlehem, is a lot further than you remember,
especially when accompanied by a heavily pregnant wife.
It is a relatively straight forward journey if you are fit and healthy.
OK, it takes a few days.
I always enjoy the journey,
observing the way the landscape changes.
Sleeping under the stars by a campfire,
or spending the night in a travellers inn.
I have made the journey quite a few times
and it always feels like an adventure,
a break from the regular routine.
This time it was different.
Mary never complained,
but I could see that she was struggling.
It may have been my imagination,
but it looked to me as if the baby dropped a bit lower
with every step she took.
Every time I felt anxious,
I turned at looked at Mary.
She was so incredibly calm,
and then I would feel this incredible peace spread over me.
It must be contagious!
As we travelled, we had time to talk,
not just chat, but to really talk,
about our childhoods, like likes and dislikes,
hopes, fears, dreams.
I am usually the quiet one, content to listen
and leave space for others to share,
but I must admit that as we travelled I did much of the talking,
as Mary was finding it harder to breath.
But it was a very special time.
A gift from God,
albeit via Quirinius and Caersar Augustus.
Without the directive from Rome,
requiring the journey to Bethlehem,
We never would have spent this time together.
We would have been too busy,
me working and Mary keeping house and resting.
Although I am pleased to see our desination appearing into sight,
I shall miss this precipous time we have had together.
Now just the small matter of finding a place to stay.
Other travellers are pouring into town,
laughter, and loud voices sounding from every doorway and window.
The town looks full,
I have no idea where we are going to spend the night.
I will just keep asking at every door,
until God reveals where we shall stay.
No comments:
Post a Comment