Much-Afraid plopped down in the grass, and Cherios sat in my lap. The seekers gathered in small groups, sitting on flat rocks, grass, and blankets. The king walked among us, picking up small children and blessing them. His voice reached even me, so far away, words of encouragement, peace, and love. Nothing could deafen his voice to those who wished to hear him.
Hours went by, but the moments passed too quickly. I listened, mesmerized, hanging on to every word as if it might be his last. My heart marveled with the rest of the crowd at his teachings.
Much-Afraid snuggled up to me, and Cherios cleaned her paws. Her eyes were bright in the king’s presence, as if she were home in the garden. Baruch munched on the grass. After months of worry that he would be turned into bacon, Lowly made a surprise announcement, “The king loves me, even a lowly pig like me.”
The king spoke with authority unlike anyone had spoken to me before.
“Come unto me, all of you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
“How can he know so much, being a carpenter from Galilee?” one man remarked.
“I think he’s John the Baptist,” another man said.
“I think he’s Elijah,” a woman countered.
“I believe he’s the Son of God,” I announced to the others.
After a while, the king took a break to discuss some business with his disciples. Soon baskets were passed around stacked with fish and bread.
“Where did the fish come from?” someone asked.
People shook their heads. No one knew. “We’re so remote here, there’s no bread or fish for miles,” a woman muttered.
I waited for a basket. A boy with a shawl covering his eyes approached and offered me a helping.
I glanced up at the boy’s face and almost fainted. “Judd?”
“He nodded and smiled in a strange sort of way.
What was he doing here? I glanced down at his hand. It was healed. Others were waiting for me to take my portion. I reached in and took some fish and bread, watching as he continued to the next person.
“How can that be?” I asked.
“I told you, Shale, he has been feeding us better,” Much-Afraid said.
“Why would the king want to heal him?” My life hadn’t changed. What about me? A voice spoke to me. “Don’t let others steal your joy. Don’t be jealous of others or concerned about not receiving their blessing. Think about the good things the king has given you.”
I didn’t want to deny what the king said, but I also wasn’t willing to believe Judd was worth healing. I knew my attitude was wrong, but in my anger, I couldn’t change what I felt.
I hated Judd—since I was twelve, and he put the curse on me. Who wouldn’t hate him? No matter how hard I tried, though, I was unable to justify my own stinking selfishness.
Evening came. I wanted to love, but I was unwilling to give up my hate. Could the king’s words penetrate my hardened heart? What joy would fill me if I surrendered everything to the king?
Baruch nudged me with his nose. “Where do we go now, Miss Shale?”
The crowds were leaving to return to their homes. I didn’t feel as if I had one. I closed my eyes and prayed. “If I’m a daughter of the king, please forgive me. I’m sorry for my wrong attitude.”
Nothing changed on the outside, but I felt better on the inside. Four sets of eyes watched me. They needed me to take care of them. Who was I, to think that I could do anything on my own?
“We must go back to the home the king has given me. Maybe my life will be better if I have a different attitude. ‘My yoke is easy,’ the king said. Let’s go.”
We arrived as darkness settled. I took the animals to the cave, kissed them good night, and returned to my room. Mari locked me inside and took the key.
“Scylla was sick all day,” Mari said. “She never knew you were gone.”
“Thanks,” I told her.
Mari smiled and waved as she headed down the stairs.
I moaned. Why did the king want me here? Submission? Acceptance of those things I couldn’t change?