Writing to Improve My Writing

Earlier today, a new friend of mine suggested forming a group of bloggers who want to improve their writing. The requirement is to write one short story per week and post it to a blog. I love writing, but rarely make time for it, and so I decided this would be something good to do. I will start with one that I have previously written, just for kicks, and will add a new one later this week. I may also use this blog for other musings, but we will see what happens. :)

This is all that I wrote of what was intended to be a much bigger story, before I became daunted by the amount of historical research I would have to do. For example, I realize that I have the family eating at a table, but in this era, they were more likely to eat on the floor.
This is just a fictional adaption of a biblical story...the marriage of Mary and Joseph and they way things went for them in their early marriage has always fascinated me, and in writing this piece, I felt as though I better understood the story....

The bliss of girlhood is a gift that some hold onto for only a short time, and then it is discarded along with all that remains of childlike fancy. Others attempt to keep this gift alive in its completion, and in doing so, fail to enter wholly into womanhood. Still, there are a few who allow the responsibility and maturity of womanhood to settle upon them, while the contentment and faith of girlhood remains, like a cheery tulip blooming through the cold and serious snow, reminding it of the springtime to come.

            There was a young girl who had not yet come to the crossroads of any serious decision a woman must make. She was fast approaching that time, as her age fell in that narrow place between girlhood and womanhood. For the moment, however, she still thought herself a child. The only daughter and the youngest child of her parents, Mary had grown up surrounded by the protection of her father and her brothers, and under the guidance of her quiet mother. She had not yet come upon any trials that burdened her carefree mind. She was obedient out of love for her parents and her Lord, and never seemed to be troubled by anything.

            She was not a spoiled child, but diligently completed whatever task her mother gave to her, and in doing so, had much time to roam about the fields in the sunshine, befriending neighboring sheep and in essence, keeping her girlhood alive. It is on one of these walks that our story begins.

           

            "I have found you!" The little boy cried out with delight, parting the tall grasses that hid Mary from view.

            Laughing, she stood up and brushed grass from her dress and her hair. She looked up at the sky, and closed her eyes to feel the sun's warmth on her face. Noting the position of the sun, she realized her mother would be wanting her to help with supper. "I must go now, Judah," she said.

            The little boy frowned. "Must you? We have only been playing for a short while."

            Mary laughed and brushed the grass from the little boy's curls. "Yes, I must, and you must keep your attention on the sheep. You want to be as brave a shepherd as King David, don't you?"

            "Yes, Mary. Just as brave and strong."

            "Then I will see you another day, Judah." Mary parted from her little playmate and skipped joyously back to the house. She knew her clothes were soiled and her hair was strewn about her face, but her mother always understood her infatuation with the outdoors. Humming a song to herself, Mary burst through the doorway of her house, but froze the moment she entered. Usually, only her mother was at home this time of day, but now, her mother was nowhere in sight, and Mary's eyes met those of her father's. He looked stern, but not surprised at the state of his daughter. Mary's eyes traveled around the room as she inwardly counted three of her five elder brothers, and her gaze finally rested on Joseph, a friend of her family. He was watching her, barely concealing his amusement.

            "Mary," her father broke the silence. "Why don't you wash and help your mother with supper?"

            "Yes, Father." Mary's chin dropped and she made her way quickly to her chamber. She was mortified. Why had no one told her there were guests coming to supper? And Joseph, of all people! Mary always felt awkward around him. He was serious and confident, and had a look about him that made Mary forget what she was doing when she saw him. Mary's face remained pink as she changed into clean clothes and splashed water on her hands and face. She quickly made her way outside, where her mother was cooking. The woman looked up at Mary with a knowing smile. "I would have told you he was coming if I had known myself," she said. "He only just arrived with your father and brothers. Come here, Mary, and bring some of this food inside."

            Mary did not trust herself to speak. She picked up the bowl her mother had indicated and brought it inside, taking a deep breath before entering the room that the men were in. She set the bowl on the table wordlessly, and began to exit when her father stopped her. "We will all eat together tonight, Mary. Tell your mother to come in as soon as possible."

            "Yes, Father." Mary wondered what the occasion could be. Perhaps her brother Jonathan was finally going to be married. She would never have guessed the announcement her father was going to make.

            As Mary entered the room again, this time with her mother, the men made room for them at the table. Joseph stood and moved so that Mary could sit beside him. Blushing, she complied, but kept her eyes fixed on her father as he cleared his throat to speak. "I have gathered all of us here tonight, because I have an announcement to make. Joseph has asked for Mary's hand in marriage, and I have given my permission."

            Mary stared at her father as if she had not heard him. She almost wondered if she had not. He looked at her and smiled encouragingly. Mary's mother was smiling with excitement. She had already known what the announcement would be. Mary wished that she had. Unwillingly, her eyes turned to the man sitting beside her. His mouth turned up slightly into a lopsided smile. His eyes were so kind and gentle, and now they pleaded with Mary to trust him.

            "Mary?" her father asked. "Will you consent to marry Joseph?"

            Mary's gaze dropped to her hands that lay shaking in her lap. "Yes."

            A very undignified roar erupted around the table, bursting from everyone but Mary and Joseph. Joseph silently closed his large hand over Mary's trembling one, and she instantly relaxed at his touch and sighed. The couple looked at each other as the family continued talking and making plans, neither one speaking, but both minds active in their thoughts.

            When Joseph left that evening, Mary had still not spoken a word since her quiet "yes". She helped her mother willingly, but her father saw the creases of worry on her face. He watched her carefully until she had almost finished her task, and then he bid her to come to him.

            Mary knelt in front of him and rested her head on his knee, as she had since she was a little girl. Her father stroked her hair and Mary basked in the familiarity of his touch. She longed to remain a child forever, always able to return to her father's knee and be comforted by the one who had cared for her since her birth. She felt her chest grow tight and she buried her face in her father's robe, crying silently. All of this would change when she was married to Joseph. She suddenly realized how afraid she was. Joseph was kind and she knew he would take care of her, but how she would miss the close affection of her father!

            "Mary," the deep comforting voice said. "You know I would not allow any man to marry you unless I believed he would be as good to you as I would be. I have watched Joseph grow up, and I see his dedication to his parents and his God. He is hardworking and thoughtful. I think he would make the perfect husband for you." He tipped her face up until she was looking at him. "But Mary, if you are not ready, we can wait until you are."

            Mary trusted her father. She studied his loving face, knowing he meant every word he had said. "Do you think I am ready to be a wife, Father?" she asked.

            He smiled. "Yes, I do."

            "Then I will marry Joseph." Her tears were still falling, because she could not help but be afraid. Yet somehow, she had peace in her heart. God always worked things out for His best purposes- she knew that He would do the same in this situation.