This morning, I have been thinking about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Being pregnant right now at Christmas, I am relating a lot to how Mary must have been feeling physically. Emotionally, I am not sure if I could ever know how she felt!
Pregnancy does amplify our emotions and moods. (hey, I totally tear up over sappy commercials these days!) This was her first baby. She didn’t have her mom to help her. (or sister :)) No lamaze class or hospital full of nurses and doctors.
But, what she did have, was an Amazing God!
He gives the comfort we need. Psalm 23:4
He gives us the strength we cannot muster on our own. Philippians 4:13
He gives us peace beyond our understanding. Philippians 4:7
He gives us patience and calmness. Colossians 1:11
You know, there is something that I don’t see Mary doing. She isn’t whining about her hard situation. She doesn’t stop everyone to tell her sad and so difficult story to everyone she meets. She isn’t looking for sympathy from others around her. Scripture says that, “she pondered these things in her heart.” (yep, that means she kept her mouth shut!) Mary silently took in all that the Lord was doing in her life. I am sure that she didn’t understand every part of the journey that the Lord was taking her on, but she knew He was in control and let it impact her heart.
My husband recently preached a sermon on when Mary visited Elizabeth. They got together, both pregnant, both unusual and difficult situations; but instead of having a whining, gossiping, pity party for each other, they had a three month Praise Party! (I can imagine all the food they snacked on; being pregnant and all!) I don’t know about you, but I gripe and complain more then praise most of the time. What an example to us! When is the last time you had a Praise Party during a difficult time in your life?
I can’t tell you that everything in my life is perfect this Christmas season, but I have peace knowing that God has given me this journey and it’s my job to be silent about my problems and let these gifts from God impact my heart. And I just want to stop and have a Praise Party for all the GOOD THINGS in my life! (this is the part where you see me grinning.)
Keikilani
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