It's time for this month's Fly on the Wall where my writing sisters and I share what's in our homes and hearts!And my thoughts, together with those of most of the Christian World are focused on the Saviour.This story is longer than my usual.I hope you enjoy it!
Jesse: The Boy Who Gave
“Jesse! Come, son! Your father and brothers havelong been about!”Jesse opened his eyes. Just over the low wall onthe far side of the roof from where he lay, the horizon was flushed a deep pinkas the sun approached its rise. Even as he watched, the golden ball peepedabove the horizon, sending a gleam of light straight into his eyes.“Jesse!”“Yea, Mother!”“Say your prayers, son, and wash yourself. Yourmeal is ready.”Jesse closed his eyes and offered his usualmorning prayer, then pushed his coarse mantel away and, grabbing his littlestick, got to his feet, standing up on his strong right leg and allowing hissmaller, weaker left to merely dangle. For a moment, he gazed at the beauty ofthe sunrise and breathed the cool, pure air of another harvest day.Moving to the ewer and basin, he washedcarefully, then fastened his girdle securely and hurried down the stairs asquickly as his one good leg would take him.His mother and older sister, Anna, turned fromthe fire and smiled at him. “Let me re-wrap your bandages, son, then Anna willwash your hands so you can eat.” His mother knelt and lifted the hem of histunic. She tugged at the bandage that covered his withered leg from small,misshapen toes to mid-thigh, then straightened and nodded to the low tablewhere warm breads, herbs and fresh cheese were laid.Jesse held out his hands to be washed by hisolder sister, then sat and began his meal.A few minutes later, his mother set a smallbasket on the high table beside the fire. “I have food here for your eveningmeal, son.”He nodded as he slowly got to his feet. Oncebraced against the table beside his mother, he began to wind his turban aroundhis head. Seeing the usual barley loaves in the basket, he sighed. “The son ofmy uncle had wheat loaves for his meal yesterday.”His mother smiled gently. “We have food to eatand a warm and safe place to lay our heads, son. Your father and brothers haveplenty of labour in the fields of your uncle and he has even found work for youwith your clever mind for figures. Let us never show discontent over what theLord has given us. Many are not blessed as we are!”He sighed again. “Yea, but...”His mother placed gentle fingers over his lips.“Hush, son. The Lord has blessed us richly. We have enough and to spare. Let usnot raise our voices except in thankfulness.”Jesse looked down into the small basket as hismother pulled a coarse cloth over its contents. He frowned and, pulling thecloth back, counted the loaves and fishes she had placed there. “Five loaves and two fishes, Mother? If you are concerned with showing gratitude,perhaps ‘twould be better to give to the poor who knock at our door than togive extra to your son.”His mother smiled again. “Yea, son. Your generousnature serves you well. And I have kept plenty for that purpose. Perhaps youwill have a chance to do the same for the people with whom you work today.”Jesse frowned, then shrugged. “Mayhap.”“And you will eat and you will be satisfied.” Hismother put her hands on his shoulders and looked into his face. “Be strong as aleopard, light as an eagle, swift as a deer, and mighty as a lion to do thewill of thy father who is in heaven this day, son.”“I thank you, Mother.” Jesse picked up his basketof food and placed his crutch firmly under one arm. Then he smiled and noddedto his mother and sister, and hobbled through the open door and into the narrowlane.Jesse’s six-times weekly walk to his uncle’slands was usually a calm and quiet amble along peaceful roads. He enjoyed it. Itdidn’t tax his strength and the fresh air was invigorating.But today, everything was different.Throngs of people were hurrying along the usuallyquiet road, talking together excitedly.One particularly large group came up behind him.The man in the lead moved closer. “Might we pass you, young sir?” he askedquietly. “We are in a great hurry to reach our destination.”Jesse nodded and stepped to one side.As the people hurried past, he called out. “Whereare you to in such haste?”“To see the master, the great prophet whom somecall The Messiah!” a young woman called out as she aided the faltering steps ofthe man beside her. “He sits today in the desert,” she pointed. “He promisessalvation to all who gather to Him!” She glanced down at Jesse’s crutch.“Salvation and healing.” She gripped the arm of her companion more firmly andwhispered gently to him. “Come, Father. We are nearly there!”Jesse stood at the side of the road and watchedthe people go by for a moment. A prophet? The Messiah? Salvation? Healing? Whatsort of healing?He thought about it for a moment, then thrust hischin forward. He, too would seek this prophet. This healer. Clutching hisbasket tighter, he followed after them as quickly as he could.The sun was halfway up the sky, signalingmid-morning, when the people he had been following joined a far larger group. Thisgreater gathering had seated themselves on the dusty ground and were listening intentlyto a man wearing a white and brown striped mantle and seated on a little,raised patch of ground.Jesse watched the young woman and her more feeblecompanion find places to sit nearby and immediately turn their attention to theman in the striped robe.This, then must be the prophet she spoke of. Themaster.Though he was some distance away, something in his quiet manner drewJesse’s gaze. The words he spoke, though not loud, could be plainly heard.Perhaps a trick of the landscape. Perhaps carried by the slight breeze.Jesse’s heart seemed to leap within his breastand he shivered with…something. Excitement? Awe?Recollection?Perhaps a bit of all.He quietly sat down in the dust, crossing hiswithered leg over his good one and putting his basket in his lap. Then he laidhis crutch carefully beside him and was, himself, soon absorbed by what the manwas saying.“Blessed are the poorin spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” the man said. “Blessed are theythat mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek:for they shall inherit the earth.”Jessefrowned. The poor in spirit? The mournful? The meek? All were…blessed?Themaster went on, “Blessed are they which do hunger andthirst after righteousness:for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for theyshall obtain mercy.”Hisnext words went through Jesse like a bolt.“Blessed are the pure in heart,”he said. “For they shall see God.”Actuallysee G-d? How is it possible that mere mortal man would be able to see theFather of Heaven and Earth?Theman went on, speaking of peacemakers, the persecuted and the reviled. “Rejoice,and be exceeding glad,” he said. “For great is your reward inheaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were beforeyou.”Jessefrowned. Rejoice in persecution?Themaster called each of them the salt of the earth, then said, “Ye arethe light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Letyour light so shine before men, that they may see yourgood works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”Formuch of the day, he went on, speaking words that seemed to glow with light andwarmth as they found a ready place in Jesse’s heart.Withthe day waning, the master stopped speaking momentarily as a few men approachedhim. With them, he quietly discussed something that appeared to be of greatconcern. Several times, they turned and indicated the mass of people stillsitting patiently, waiting for the words of peace and comfort to continue.Jessethought about the things the master had said. Was it important to be meek andlong-suffering? And the council to let his light shine. To serve and to share.Unexpectedly,a picture of his mother flashed into his mind as he had last seen her—holdinghis basket of warm food and urging him to be generous with the people he metthis day.Jesselooked around and smiled slightly. Where would he start?Themaster shook his head at something one of the others said. Then he lightlypatted his companion on the shoulder and moved him gently aside.“Arethere any among you who are sick or afflicted,” he asked. “Halt, lame, deaf,dumb? Come forward and, by your faith, you shall be healed.”Jessesucked in a breath. The ‘healing’ the young woman had spoken of. He looked downat his withered, useless leg. And could the man possibly mean him? ‘By yourfaith’, the man had said.Didhe have faith?Ashort distance away, the young woman rose and helped her father to his feet.Then the two of them made their way slowly through the throng toward the man inthe striped robe.Ayoung man seated next to Jesse plucked at the sleeve of his tunic and indicatedthe crutch lying in the dust between them. “He means you, brother,” the youngman said. “Go. And be healed.”Healed?Jesse’s breath seemed to stop in his throat. Could it actually be possible?“Go!”someone else whispered.Jesselooked around. Several people were smiling at him and nodding. A couple of thempointed toward the master.Theyoung man next to him stood up. “Please, brother, let me help you.” Strong handsgrasped Jesse’s arms and pulled him to his good foot, then handed him hisstick. “Go!”Stillclutching his basket and with his stick once more braced under his arm, Jesse finallybegan to make his way forward.Theway wasn’t easy. People were packed in tight and there was very little space tomove. They shifted as much as they could and sometimes that was very littleindeed, but eventually, Jesse was able to join the group gathered immediatelyaround the master; one of the last to do so.Aman in the line just ahead of him turned and smiled at Jesse with one dead eyeand a face twisted by old, hideous burns. Just ahead of that man, another mancarried a child who appeared to be legless.Jesselooked down at his own sound leg and its withered companion. Among thiscompany, he was blessed. Should he stay and seek the help of the master?Awoman paused beside him, breathing heavily and pressing one hand to her breast.“Isaught well with you, sister?” Jesse asked in a low voice.Shetook a rather shaky breath. “It soon shall be!” she whispered back, shiningeyes on the man at the center of the group.Slowly,the line of people wound its way closer to him. As they drew nearer, Jesse wasable to see more clearly what was happening.Aseach person approached him, they were warmly embraced and greeted by name. Thenthe man put his hands on the person’s head and spoke softly.And,without fail, that person was healed.Jessesaw arms and legs appear where none had been before. He saw the feeblestraighten. One small child gazed at her mother in wonder as she heard thewoman’s voice for the first time. An elderly man who had been led through thethrong by a younger man, removed the bandage from his eyes and turned from thankingthe healer to look into the young man’s face, staring at it as though it wasthe most glorious sight he had ever seen.Therewas a stir as someone approached carrying a small figure bundled up in a coarsemantle. Limp hands and ashen cheeks would indicate that this child was farbeyond the help of any mortal man, but, as with the others, the healer put hishands on the little one’s head. In moments, the child was sitting up, smilingand pushing at the now-restrictive mantle.Jesse’sheart seemed to swell within him. Healings. Raisings from the dead? It was asthough he stood in the presence of G-d, Himself!Hecaught his breath on a sob, feeling suddenly humbled. Worthless. Tears stainedhis cheeks. He gazed now at the man in the striped robe with reverence wherebefore had been only awe and wonder.Reverence.And love.Hekept his eyes steadily on the healer, and as the line decreased in size, slowlymade his way closer.Whenthere were but two people ahead of him, a couple of the man’s associatesappeared.“Master,”one of them said.Theman in the striped robe turned to him questioningly.“Master,we need to send these people away. Many of them have been here all day and wehave nothing to feed them. They must go into the surrounding villages and findfood.”“ButI have not yet completed the work,” his master told him.“Theywill be here on the morrow,” his other companion said. “Master, you are tired.Let us send the people away so they can eat and you can rest.”Hismaster paused and Jesse felt his heart stop.Hewas so close!Thenthe master smiled. A tired smile, but one filled with love. “Good brethren,” Hesaid quietly. “I would first be about my father’s business. Then I will retirewith you.”Jesselet out the breath he didn’t know he had been holding.“Thereis still the problem of what to feed the people,” the first companion said.“Castthrough the throngs and see if any have ought to contribute,” his master saidas he turned back. He took the little, legless girl into his arms. “Sarah, mydaughter!”Jesseclutched his basket tighter, thinking of the few loaves and fishes itcontained. He would love to share. But how many of this throng of thousandscould possibly be fed on so little food?Themaster stood the little girl on two strong legs and hugged her again. “Go,daughter. Remember this day, when your faith and that of your father…” henodded to the man beside the girl whose face was wet with tears, “…healed you.”Thelittle girl nodded eagerly and she and her father turned and began to maketheir way back through the people.Jesse’seyes blurred with tears of his own. He blotted them on his sleeve. “Thomas, my son.” The master had his armsaround the burned man. “Long you have carried these scars.”“Yea,Master,” Thomas said. “Yet I know that, in thee, all things are possible. Eventhe healing of a sinner such as I.”“Sogreat faith, Thomas.” The master smiled and put his hands on Thomas’ head andagain, Jesse’s eyes swam with tears.Andthen, it was his turn. The master’s eyes were on him. Wondrous eyes filled withendless love and acceptance.Withoutconscious thought, Jesse started forward, his own eyes on the master. TheMessiah.“Master,this should be the last. We must be off.” One of the companions was back. “Wecan find no food and the sun sets. The people will be forced find their way inthe dark.”Themaster nodded. “We would not want anyone losing their way in the darkness.”Jesseheaved a sigh of relief. One more. Him.Justthen, someone bumped into him and he stumbled and nearly lost both his crutchand his basket. Grasping them tightly, he turned.Thewoman who had come up behind him was clutching her chest, her face grey.Withoutthinking, Jesse set down his basket, reached for her arm, and pressed her aheadof him. “Here, sister. Take my place!”Themaster looked at Jesse and smiled, then placed his arms about the woman.“Emily, my daughter,” he whispered.Inmoments, Emily was on her smiling way and the master’s companions were pullingat his arm, trying to get him to follow. “Now, Master,” one of them said. “Letus be off.”Jesse felt the tears sliding down his cheeks.Sadly, he picked up his basket and then turned to leave.“Jesse.”The quiet voice seemed to wrap around his achingheart. Tugged it. He turned.The master was standing, looking at him. His armswere wide.Dropping his crutch, Jesse stumbled forward. Thearms closed about him and, for a moment, he thought his heart would burst withjoy. Somewhere, a choir of voices was singing. Angelic, heavenly voices.Then, the sound of his own sobs.“Jesse, my son.” The quiet voice was continuing. “Youhave carried this burden for so long. Lay it now at my feet. Give up your sinsand be healed by your faith.”Jesse looked up into the kind eyes. “I do. Iwill.”His left leg tingled. He looked down. Onesandaled foot. One bare. The bandage that had bound his withered limb lay in asmall heap in the dust. With wonder, he lifted that leg. Felt it withastonished hands. It was as whole and healthy as the other.He looked up into the master’s face. “How…how isit possible?”The master’s smile seemed to pull his heart fromhis breast. “By the power given me by my father and in His name, son. And byyour faith.” His smile widened. “Now, go and share what you have found!”“I will!” Jesse started to turn, then swung back.“Who are you, Master?”Again that smile. “Who say you that I am?”Jesse felt his brow pucker. “Are you John theprophet? He who is called the Baptist?”The master’s eyes filled with tears. “John, whowas my brother, is with us no longer. He has finished his work.”Jesse’s breath was squeezed from his chest. Hestared at the master. “Dead?”The master nodded. “Called home.”“But could you not . . . the child you raised . .. could you . . .?”He shook his head sadly. “John, who was theBaptist had finished his work.”“And you are John’s brother?”He smiled through his tears. “I, too have come todo the Father’s work.”“Has the Father, Himself come to dwell amongmen?” Jesse’s voice was filled with wonder.“I am the Christ, Jesus. My father hath sent meand I am here to do His will in His name.” The master smiled. “And glory beunto Him.”“Then, ‘tis true. The prophecy of a Savior sentto deliver the world.” Jesse felt strange. As though he couldn’t quite getenough air into his lungs.“Master. We must be away!” The companions hadreturned. “The hour grows late and the people must find food!”“I have food!” Jesse cried, suddenly.Jesus turned to his companions. “You hear? We areprovided for.”The companions frowned at Jesse, their eyesseeking and stopping at the small basket he held. “How?” one of them asked.The master tugged at the cover and looked down onthe small offering. Again he smiled. “It is enough. Bring me baskets.”And then Jesse witnessed yet another miracle inthis long day of miracles as Jesus the Christ blessed and broke the few loavesand fishes into fragments and filled basket after basket after basket.The master’s servants distributed the food andJesse watched as the heaping baskets were passed from hand to hand. Withgladness, all the people received and they began to eat hungrily, praising G-das they did so.Soon all had been filled.What was left was gathered up, and finally, 12baskets brimming with pieces of fish and bread remained.He looked around and smiled. “It is well.”Shortly after that, Jesus the Christ and hiscompanions disappeared into the gathering gloom. Then the people, too, began todisburse.Jesse, clutching his small basket now brimmingwith food started along the road.“Ouch!” He lifted his left foot and examined thewelt left by a sharp stone. “If only I had a sandal!”Then he began to laugh.Several men stopped beside him. “Something amusesyou, brother?”Yea,” Jesse said. “This morning when I awoke, Ihad only one useful leg. Now, through faith and by the healing power of Jesusthe Christ, I have two. But, upon feeling pain in my new foot, I instantlybegan to wish for something more.” He shook his head slowly. “I fear it willtake the rest of my life to root out the ingratitude that so quickly besetsme!”The men smiled and continued up the road.Jesse followed them, walking easily on two stronglegs for the first time.Velvet darkness surrounded him as his little homecame into view. The front door had long been shut, but light glowed in the onewindow. Jesse hurried toward it.Gently, he lifted the latch and pushed the doorwide. “Father? Mother? I have returned.”His mother rose from her seat by the fire.“Jesse! What were you about? You never arrived at the house of your uncle! Ihad feared you the victim of highway robbers!”His father loomed up behind her. “Welcome home,son.” He shook his head mournfully even as he smiled at Jesse. “I am gratefulfor your safe return.” He glanced at his wife. “But I am also certain you havemany things to explain.”Jesse set his basket on the high table.His mother glanced at it, then smiled at Jesse.“Son. Did you find the opportunity to share with those in need?”Jesse smiled back as he laid his crutch besidethe bowl. “Yea, Mother. Let me tell you the story.”
Now go to my friends and see what's happening in their homes, thoughts and lives this month!I guarantee you'll enjoy it!

Baking In A Tornado

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And however you and your loved ones celebrate this beautiful season, I wish you joy and happiness!

Thank you for being my friends!