Cassie's Calling: Version Two
Prologue
The proud mother strapped her little one into the stroller, then tucked a baby blue blanket around her. They were all set for a walk around the sun-bathed garden. Baby wore a cute sun hat as well as a bib for any unexpected mishaps. She made a slow circuit around the swimming pool, being careful to dodge any bumps as well as Arthur the cat with his proud stare and Tessie, the white bull terrier, with her understanding doggie smile. “No, Tessie. Don’t come too close. Baby is sleeping. No doggie kisses either. You can walk along with us if you want to though.”
The faithful pet happily agreed and walked beside the pram as Cassie did another lap around the pool. When Arthur placed an exploratory paw on the blanket, Tessie nosed him out of the way and was rewarded with a “good dog!” by the little mother.
When Cassie had determined that her infant had absorbed enough sunshine for the day, she headed back to the house with Tessie ever vigilant at her side. Cassie lifted the baby doll from the pushchair and carried it to her bedroom. She heard her mother starting supper in the kitchen and smiled tenderly at her own charge as she put her down for a nap and began her own supper preparations.
***
Twenty years later…
One thing was becoming increasingly clear to Cassie as she got up for the third time to feed little Benny: being a mother was just plain hard. She cradled her little one close, and soon he was happily feeding. But Cassie was afraid to relax, in case she dozed off in the chair. She looked over at the sleeping form of her husband, Eben, with envy. Sure, he’d worked hard that day, but hadn’t she worked twice as hard? Having three small children, two in nappies, and the other one only four, was draining. Besides that, there was the never ending flow of washing, dishes, cleaning, and cooking. Most days, she only managed to scratch the surface of the piles around her. When her mother popped in for a visit, Cassie often found herself weeping from sheer relief, as that sweet soul cleared up all the messes and cuddled little ones. Tears sprang to her eyes anew, and she found herself wishing that her mom were there at that moment. How she yearned for a good night’s sleep, and just a few moments to herself.
Eben snorted in his sleep, and Cassie pulled a face. She did love him. They’d been together since high school, and Eben was her soul mate. Her everything. When they’d been dating, he’d even told her that marriage and a houseful of children was what he dreamed of. Now, three children later, with a wife who was tired all the time, the dream seemed to have lost some of its sparkle for Eben.
He turned over suddenly, and his eyes opened. He smiled tenderly at Cassie and Bennie who were bathed in the light of the small lamp. Seeing that the little one had stopped feeding, he came over to Cassie’s side, and took the baby carefully from her, before laying him back in his cot. “Come back to bed, Cassie. He’ll be fine now.” She came reluctantly, afraid of more demands, but he merely rubbed her back softly as she drifted off to sleep. It felt lovely, and she allowed herself to drift back off to sleep. She started a little though, as she dozed off. It sounded almost as though Eben was praying as he held her.
***
Cassie woke to a mug of tea on her bedside table and a kiss from Eben who was leaving for work. Cassie drew her fingers through her tangled hair. She felt a bit guilty for her thoughts the night before. Eben was being so sweet.
Cassie sipped the tea gratefully as Bennie had his morning feed. She hoped with all her heart that today would go better. And oddly enough, it did. Gavin only woke up after she’d changed Benny and gotten dressed herself. And for once his nappy was dry. Ruby, who was four, had gotten up and had attempted to make her little bed. When Cassie entered her room, the little one was rocking her dolly, and singing to it, just as Cassie had done as a little girl.
The sweet scene melted Cassie’s heart, and reminded her of those far off, innocent days, how she’d dreamed of being a mother; and she almost wished life could be so simple again.
***
The day continued without too many bumps in the road. Cassie got a load of washing going, and was even able to clean up in the kitchen before Bennie needed her again. She sat down in Eben’s favourite armchair and thought about how sweet he’d been the last few days. Bennie was nursing hungrily, and Gavin and Ruby were watching their favourite show. She turned her head, planning to close her eyes for a few moments, when she saw a book she hadn’t seen before on the side table. She reached over for it with her spare hand. A Bible. That was strange. As far as she knew, they didn’t own one. Curiously, she opened the soft leather cover. An inscription just inside jumped out at her: “To Eben, may you always love the Lord and His Word. From Mark.”
That’s odd. She knew Mark. He and his wife, Angie, were good friends of theirs. Cassie was aware that they were Christians, but she knew nothing of Mark giving a Bible to Eben. And since when did Eben have an interest in religion?
Eben had grown up in an agnostic family, and had only been inside a church for a couple of weddings and a funeral. As for herself…Now, that was another story. Growing up, she’d just about lived in church. Her parents were faithful Christians, and lived their faith out. And not just on Sundays. As a little girl, she’d asked Jesus to come into her heart, but that seemed very long ago now. The truth is, she’d left Jesus and church behind from the moment she met Eben.
Cassie lifted sweet Bennie to her shoulder and patted his little back gently before changing sides. She picked up the Bible again. It fell open to a bookmarked page, and she saw that someone had highlighted a couple of verses. Cassie read the verses, then re-read them once more. But when she read for a third time, the words became blurry through her tears.
***
Cassie’s overriding thought throughout her busy day was that she must ask Eben the one thing she wanted to know more than anything. With that in mind, she left the Bible open at the place where she’d read. And she prayed for the first time in many years.
***
Eben took a sip of coffee, then smiled at Cassie as he picked up the Bible. “Were you reading it today? Mark gave it to me. He’s been helping me.”
She nodded as she sat cuddling their sleepy threesome.
Eben cleared his throat and began to read:
[28] Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
“So, have you found it, Eben? Have you found that rest?” She spoke urgently, though her voice was soft.
“I have. Jesus gave it to me.” Eben said gently. “And He wants you to have it too.”
***
Cassie’s eyelids were heavy as she tucked Bennie snugly back into his cot. A pile of clean washing waited to be folded, and toys still lay strewn around the lounge, but it was OK. She slipped back into bed and snuggled up to Eben. He’d been such a help, cooking supper, and washing dishes; helping with the kids. And with God’s help, she was going to be a blessing to Eben. And to her little ones. They were all so precious. Tiredness was part of being a mom. She knew now that Jesus was her strength. And her rest. He’d called her back, and he’d awakened her to her calling.
***
The end.
***
Scripture:
Matthew 11: 28-30. (ESV)
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.11.28-30.ESV
***
Story copyright: Alison Lawrence
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