The next morning scuffling and talking outside your room awakes you. After a brief knock Jesse put his head around the door to announce, “Mary sent me. Breakfast is being cleared. We have to leave soon if we are going to make the assembly of saints before going on to Jerusalem for Shabbat which starts at sunset.
Hurriedly you dress. In the kitchen Mary hands you a plate of food similar to that you ate yesterday. “I hope you aren’t too tired after yesterday and last night’s celebration. We all have a journey to make today and Jesse who loves riding the donkeys is happy to accompany you. Mary smiles, “I’ve packed a picnic lunch, eat it after passing through the canyon, and we will see you later. Now I must away chores to be done.”
You are just finishing when Jesse, eager to be on his way appears saying, “Sausage and Hewhay are waiting. Lunch is in Sausage’s saddle bag. A change of clothes will be at the inn. I don’t want to be late. Here’s your coat, you’ll need it.” The donkeys obviously know their destination, but first head towards Carpenter’s cottage, before deviating left towards a mountain range. Nearer you recognise the tall sheer white cliff face. Sausage takes a familiar upward pebbly path alongside that cliff. Mary mentioned a canyon. Keeping up with Jesse doesn’t facilitate conversation. Anticipating, it’s the same one, you went through before, you zip up your jacket. A trot through their feels like a canter, sunlight is blocked by the canyon’s height, the narrow path is a wind tunnel and the rocks jagged. Scared, last time, you lay against Sausage’s neck and it was a miracle you didn’t fall off.
Read: “So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Speak: Lord, help me in the circumstances of life, whether repeating or new, to apply your Word, the lessons I have learnt and to trust you will guide and lead me through.