Back in January, I had plans for this year. Places I scheduled to see, things I was thrilled to do, and people I was cherishing to do life with.
But then a few things happened. Some small, but a few loomed large. And those happenings changed my plans. As weeks extended into months of altered expectations, I grew frustrated, furious, and at least mentally, became ferious.
I also grew nervous as political waves hit our country and people turned against one another. Where was the community I once knew?
Mary knew all these feeling too.
The disruption to plans.
The breaking of a routine.
The dashing of dreams.
The feeling of forgetting what life was supposed to be.
We pick up her story in Luke chapter two.
The long journey was finally over. Dusting her robes, her head covering, and all other belongings, Mary settled into her straw bed for the night.
But the dust of supposed shame could not be so easily brushed off.
To honor the government’s decrees, she made the arduous trip.
She was unsure which exhausted her more, the birth of a beautiful baby boy, or the condescending stares and the “knowing” looks Joseph’s family had shot at her, before they refused the denounced couple a place to stay.
“Lord, why is this so difficult?” her heart cried as she sank into the soft straw shelter for the night.
God saw her.
God heard her.
God had chosen her.
After physical respite, He would give her a spiritual respite too.
Mary awoke to the sound of excited voices and feet rushing to the barn door. Suddenly, sheepish shepherds slowed themselves, shyly requesting to see her son; the Christ, the Savior, as they called Him.
As they gazed upon this baby they forgot themselves, excitedly reiterating what the angels had proclaimed.
Mary stood close by, watching her baby in wonder as her heart turned over the shepherd’s words.
She didn’t send them away. She didn’t rightly claim post-birth exhaustion. She chose to to allow her eyes to be open, her heart to hear, and her soul to soar.
She hadn’t imagined this!
No, God gifted her with confirmation through these enthusiastic shepherds.
Smiling to herself, she settled back into her humble hay, amazed at her God.
He had chosen her.
And now, He chose to comfort her.
How great a God she served!
Scripture tells us, ““But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19, NIV
She journeyed through the hardships, and experienced blessing and confirmation that she was exactly where God authored for her to be. Maybe not her plans. But she realized she was directly planted in God’s plan.
As I reflect back on the past year, no, it’s not what I would have authored for me, or anyone else.
Yet, when I take a moment in the early morning, contemplating, remembering, and scrutinizing my months making this last year, I realize something.
I am exactly where I am supposed to be. God is directing me, growing me, and yes, blessing me through this journey of 2020.
Yes, God chose us to be in this time, this place.
Yes, God comforts us, He loves us each one, and wants only the best for us in the end.
I too, stand in awe of Him when I begin to realize, Wow! What a great God I serve.
I pray you too, can take a moment, allow Him to speak to your heart. Maybe it will be through frenzied people who have heard from angels.
Or maybe it will arrive through your neighbor next door.
Maybe it will be a quiet whisper, revealing a truth to your heart.
However the message arrives, God does see you.
He loves you.
He wants only the best for you.
And yes, just as Mary did, He wants each one of us to treasure these truths, deep within our hearts.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, It’s been tough. You know. Yet, You have brought me this far in the journey. Help me to lean on You, Your Word, and Your Truth. You know the plans You have. Help me to hear when You are revealing something to me, and help me be able to recognize Your truths, Your gifts, and Your whispers. Help me to treasure these things up in my heart. Thank You Lord for Your love, In Jesus’ name, Amen.