It was quite a year for the young girl from Nazareth. A visit from an angel … getting pregnant while a virgin … being worshipped by her older cousin … giving birth in a barn … random shepherds with a wild story … Phew! “But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart,” the Bible says. I’ll bet she did.
The spiritual life is full of surprises. There’s the trial that comes out of nowhere, the blessing when you least expected it, the human betrayal (and sometimes seeming betrayals of the divine sort), unconditional love and friendship of others on the journey just when you need it, and a whole lot more. Books and teachings promote simple formulas for all these things. The truth that comes from God, however, says something quite different: often, the twists and turns just can’t be figured out.
The best way to walk the path of faith is the route Mary took. Observe. Treasure. And then quietly meditate. In that process I often find something even better than an answer. I discover that the savior of the world – and my situation – is right there with me all along. And that’s something to ponder.
Merry Christmas.
Don’t have to ponder (always one of my favorite words) my response to the post very long… Love it.
Cannot top Clever Deb on my response – but thanks for writing this. It is beautifully written and so true. Formulas and checklists are always so much easier than Trusting God.
thank you for the encouragement of these thoughtful words.