Part II The story of Apostle Peter's mother-in-law (A work of fiction).

Early morning sunrise over Winona and the Mississippi River Valley

This is part II in the story of Peter’s mother-in-law based on Matthew 14:8, and today, Mark Chapter 5.

“Today I see that it is going to be hot and humid outside my dear.”

“Yes mother, I believe you are right.  We must get down to the well early and get our water before it is so hot, otherwise we will have to wait until evening.”

“I suppose you are right my dear.  I just need a few minutes to eat my food and drink some cool water before going with you.  Have you heard from Peter today, Sarah?”

“Yes, late last night Andrew came by and he said that Peter was doing fine.  They had been near the Sea of Galilee and are now on the other side.  I am a little concerned though, there are so many gentiles that live in that area, and I hope he will be ok?”

“Do not worry my dear, as long as he does not interfere with the gentile's trading, he will be fine.”

“What do you mean mother?”

What an awesome God we have!

“Well, you know how we don’t deal with the Gentiles around here, they pretty much stay to themselves and we do the same.  I am only saying that as long as Peter doesn’t need to trade with them, he should be ok.  I remember when your uncle Laban once traded with a Gentile; they got into such a terrible argument with each other.  I was afraid that after awhile they would start fighting.  Fortunately for your uncle, the other man was a cripple and was using a cane to support himself; otherwise I am afraid it would have gone very badly for Laban. “

“Was the Gentile a mean man mother?”

“No, but you know uncle Laban, he can get even the gentlest man angry by his trying ways.  This Gentile left shaking his fists and saying he would never trade with a Jew again.  I felt badly for the Gentile actually, Laban can be very difficult to deal with when it comes to business.”

(A worried look came over Sarah’s face.)

“Sarah, what is troubling you?”

“Mother, Andrew said that this man from Nazareth caused many pigs to rush into the sea and drown.  The gentiles there were very upset by this; they lost most of their income by this single event.  Andrew said that the Nazarene directed the demons to come out of a man, and then they had gone into the pigs.  After that,  all the swine rushed into the sea shortly there after.  It didn’t matter to the gentiles that a man was delivered of these many demons, the gentiles suffered great financial loss, they were afraid that the Nazarene was a trouble maker.”

(Concerned, Muriel puts a hand on Sarah’s shoulder.)

“My dear, I am sure that it will be ok.  Peter is a cautious man; he will be fine.  Tell me Sarah, did you hear if Peter is coming home soon?”

 Aunt Anne and Grandpa John talking to the newest
Gustafson (Noah)

“No, Andrew said that he must remain with that person he refers to as ‘his master.’” 

(Muriel continues to see the worried look on Sarah’s face.)

“Sarah, I am wondering if someone should go and get Peter and tell him that he is needed at home.  I believe his place is here next to his wife, that being you Sarah!”

“I am sure that he will be ok mother.  I just get so lonely for him at times though, and to be honest with you, I am a little afraid for him right now.  What if those gentiles decide to hurt Peter for something he had nothing to do with.”

“I too am concerned Sarah.  I still feel that he should be home with you and not traveling in places where he can be hurt.  Oh, my word I don’t feel so good right now, do you mind if I lay down for a while Sarah.  My stomach is beginning to cause me great pain right now.”

“Why of course mother, you go and rest.  I am so very sorry for upsetting you so.  I should not have shared with you my worries, please forgive me?”

“You are my daughter, I love you and I want to know what is on your heart, please do not let my illness stop you from sharing all that is on your mind.  Mothers cannot stop being mothers even when their child is grown.  We worry for our children even when they have become adults my child.”

“I realize this mother, but it is the last thing for me in wanting you to be ill over my concerns.  I will go and get the water; you rest and think of pleasant things while I am gone.  All will be ok, I am sure of that.”

“ I sure wish Peter will be coming home?”

“Andrew said that perhaps Peter would be stopping by in about a week, though he is not sure.  He sends his love to us though and wants to let us know that he misses each of us.”

(Muriel watches Sarah smile, turn and walk away out the door.  She can see the worried look on her daughter’s face and would do anything to replace it with happiness.)  To be continued . . .