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Good evening, little lambs. Tonight's story is called The Hurry Over the Hill, inspired by the gospel of Luke one thirty nine to fifty six. Tonight Jesus teaches us something bright and hurrying. When God does a wonderful thing, we do not keep it only at home. We go quickly to love someone. His nearness can make a heart leap with joy even before all the words are said. And a grateful heart sings, not look at me, but look at God. The mighty one has done great things, and holy is his name. And so tonight we're back on Shepherd's Hill the morning after the cool well, where Clover learns what believing looks like when it starts to run. Morning smelled of wet grass and yesterday's kindness. Dew silvered the path. Clover sat by the well's grey rim, cream colored wool still holding a little of last night's gladness. Her blue scarf was neat, her clover sprig stood thoughtful and green. The water had been so cold and kind. She wanted to stay right there and keep the joy where she could count it. Biscuit bounced once, then twice, her golden tuft stuck straight up. Should we sit and sip all morning? she asked. Clover almost said yes. That was when Jesus came along the path, warm as always. He looked at Clover as if she were the only lamb in the meadow. The well is a gift, he said gently. But gladness is for carrying. Over the far hill, Marigold's shelter is very quiet. She has been feeling small. Will you go to her in a hurry and take my nearness with you? Clover's ears tipped, the hill path looked long and dusty. What if I say the wrong thing? What if I should stay here and be careful with the joy? Jesus smiled the way sunrise smiles on a road. Long ago a young woman named Mary said yes to God. She did not stay home with the wonderful news. She set out quickly over the hills to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who needed company and help. Mary believed God would keep his promise, and her believing put on its sandals. Clover remembered old Wooly's fire soft voice once upon a time, telling her how Mary said yes. Her sprig lifted a little. Come, said Jesus, Faith can walk fast when love is waiting. They went, biscuit trotted, Clover's scarf fluttered, dust puffed under their hooves, hill wind smelled of thyme and warm stone. Jesus walked with them, unhurried even in the hurry. At the edge of the pasture stood Marigold's small shelter. The old Ew sat in the doorway, wool the color of late honey, her corner still holding last night's chill. She looked up, surprised. You came all this way? she asked. For me? We came, Clover said, breathless. Jesus said you should not sit small and alone. Before anyone explained the well, something glad jumped up in Marigold's face, like a quiet leap inside her chest. Her eyes shone. The doorway felt warmer as if joy had arrived first, and the words were only catching up. Jesus rested a kind hand on the door post. When I come near a listening heart, gladness can leap before the story is even told. I am here. That is enough to begin. He looked at Clover, then at Marigold. Blessed is the one who believes that God will do what he has said. Mary believed. Elizabeth blessed her for that trust, and Mary did not take the credit. She sang to God. Clover's voice came small and true. Thank you, Lord, she said. You looked at little lambs and an old ew. The mighty one has done great things for us. Holy is his name. He notices the small ones, he fills empty tummies, he keeps the promises he made long ago. Biscuit's tuft bounced in time. Marigold's melancholy lifted into warm, surprised laughter, the way a cold corner remembers the sun. They did not turn around and go home. Clover swept the doorway. Biscuit shared two hillside berries from a leaf. Jesus broke a little bread. They stayed. This is what Mary's faith looked like, Jesus said softly. Not only a song, a stay, praise that points to God and love that remains. Clover's sprig stood bright. She understood. The joy had not gotten smaller by being carried over the hill. It had grown a voice, and so tonight we learned that believing God means more than holding good news in our pockets. We hurry to love. Jesus' nearness makes hearts leap. We sing thank you songs that point to the mighty one, who notices little people and keeps his promises. What is one small visit or one small thank you song you could carry to someone tomorrow? Let's close our eyes now, safe on the green hill held by the shepherd who walks every dusty path with us. Jesus, thank you for going with us. Help us hurry to love, sing our thank yous to God, and stay close to you. Amen. Good night, little lamb. God loves you so much. Sweet dreams.