“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5
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It was a time of rejoicing – the King has returned and all had come together to celebrate. The house was trimmed in Scarlet and Blue and most glorious Purples. The Golden goblet was set, preparing for the finest Wine.
As the sky drew dim the people came – in beautiful raiment. Their joy shown clearly – their love so pure. In beautiful gowns the women danced – jewels sparkled all about – and from a distance the washerwoman watched.
She wondered how it felt to be so beautiful. She wondered what it was like to feel such joy. And as she watched each beautiful woman dance with the King, she wondered what it was like to feel such love.
Back she stepped, so as not to be seen, how could she chance to be seen in her rags and covering scarf. Yet she dared to desire to belong.
She cherished the moments she cleaned for the King. Did He know she prayed as she cleansed His garments? Did He know that she treasured the brief moments when they shared a word?
So back she stepped, into the shadows – swaying with the music, drinking in the joy that danced around the room. Careful, oh so careful, so not to be seen, she raised her hand up to the missing hand, and placed her arm around the missing waist as she moved slowly around the shadows.
Then a breeze passed by and a tender word touched her ear. Opening her eyes she saw her King before her, at the edge of the shadows. Bowing down she humbly and quietly spoke, “Yes, My King, your servant waits.”
Speaking not He reached down, taking her rough red hand in His. Gently He pulled her up, placing His arm around her ragged dress and together they danced from the shadows to the light.
As the music stopped He kissed her hand and thanked her for her love and the beauty she presented every day. And at that moment she knew herself what it was like to feel beautiful, what it was like to feel joy, and how wonderful it felt to be loved.
For SHE was the washerwoman in the Palace of the KING!
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Linda J. Humes 
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