I found this little jewel among my own collection; though, where it came from, I do not remember. (Probably my mother-in-law.) Whatever the case, I'm glad it was there for me to find, it was needed at this time in my life.
Mostly, I'd say this is for the religious person, as someone who isn't Christian might not appreciate it as I did. It's just a short, sweet story about a shepherd, Joshua ben Levi, going through the hardest trial of his life. His wife is eight months pregnant, has been bleeding, her water has broken and she's in heavy labor. The baby hasn't moved for two days. The midwives don't look hopeful for either life at stake. Amid serious and painful contractions, Joshua's wife tells him he has to pray. God will bless them this day.
He gathers his sacrificial lamb and reluctantly leaves his wife to walk to Jerusalem to the temple there to pray. Before he leaves, his father offers him words of comfort as he, too, lost his wife during childbirth. He tells him God did not abandon him that day, but the question remained - would he abandon God? Even now, as I type this, I cannot think of this without tearing up. This was read in a moment in my own life when I was facing a trial that I felt I was alone in facing. I refused to pray as I didn't feel I was getting any help. After reading this, it was as if my Heavenly Father was reminding me that He really was there, but I needed to ask myself that same question.
*sniff*
Anyway, he travels to Jerusalem and ends up facing a journey he had not anticipated. I'm not going to give it all away because, really, this book is worth seeking out and reading. Truly.
1 comment:
sounds like a good book I will have to check it out.... you are a tough cookie....wink wink .... now get on those knees and spend some time with your father.
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