“My mother, see what bounty the land has provided.” The eager words awakened the old woman dozing on a mound of pillows and blankets in the warm desert sun.

“Look, dear mother,” a woman’s gentle voice added a plea, “Caleb has brought grapes and olives.” 

The young woman reached out to smooth a strand of hair off the wrinkled brow. Once a deep rich brown, the thin strands were now almost white. The woman’s frame was still slender despite the many years that bowed the erect body. She was a tall woman, although it was not so obvious as she lay on the pallet. The gnarled hands had once been smooth and many in the encampment knew the gentle touch of healing they had brought. Years of travail had not dimmed her interest in life and the brown eyes were bright when they opened to study the handsome couple crouching beside her. A smile appeared on the creased face.

“My boy, it is good to see you,” the words were raspy with age, but full of love.

The young man presented a platter full of grapes and olives with a flourish. His dusty tunic and robe were evidence that he came straight to this tent from the road.

“Truly the land is as rich as the first time we entered it,” Caleb proclaimed enthusiastically.

...

“The children of Israel have learned to trust the One Living God,” the old woman sighed happily. “The years in the wilderness have formed a community. Those who sought the false security of the old ways have died out.” ...