Miriam sat in the rocker and closed her eyes. It had been a long hot day and her body was tired, so tired. She melted into the chair, letting herself feel the pull of gravity as she relaxed. She rocked absent-mindedly humming a little sing song tune in time with the rocking. It reminded her of the lullabies she had sung to Moses when he was little. She opened her eyes then and looked at the basket. Even through it had been almost 80 years since the events had taken place, it felt like yesterday. The basket was looking shabby and old. It would have been thrown away before this if it was any other basket. But this basket was sacred hold sweet memories of miracles and hope. She stood and walked to the shelf above the window where the basket lived. Miriam listed it gently down and carried it back to the rocker.

So much had happened the year she was ten. Her mother gave birth to baby Moses. She had loved being Mommy’s helper, rocking and playin with him. She was frightened a lot of the time. Baby boys were in great danger. She played her part and save her baby brother. “But what good did it do Lord? What good?” She cradled the basket in deep sadness and holy awe.

Many times great disappointment follows a time of hope and joy. This is very difficult to handle. Miriam had 40 years of discouragement, wondering what God’s plan could be. God asked Miriam and us to keep trusting.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11