Home Sweet Simple Home

I wonder

No matter what great intentions I have starting out the holiday season the last week is always [no matter how I plan] stressful. And this year is no exception. I started out so well and we had a few lovely weeks of bliss and contentment. And now . . . .
And so I go to the one source that always comforts me- God’s Word and I read the Christmas story from Luke each day this week- trying to bring back the hush and push out the rush. And I pray- I pray for peace and grace and mercy (for me and those that push at me!) and I pray for patience and God to reveal a bit more to me each day.
And here is what popped in my head today- How did Mary feel really? Was she all grace and beauty? Was she really as serene as she is in all the pictures and paintings and nativity sets? Really?
God chose her and therefore was with her and guided her but did she ever have her moments of doubt? Did she worry or wonder about the pain of childbirth? She knew Jesus would live but did she wonder about herself? Did she ever question if she was really fit to be the mother of the Son of God? Did she wonder about the challenges she was going to face? And my word- how did she manage to ride a donkey approx. 100 miles while hugely pregnant? Which leads me to wonder if she didn’t get sick on that donkey ride?! The conception was immaculate but I bet the pregnancy was as is any pregnancy- with all the changes and mood swings etc. etc.
So today as I prayed and studied, I wondered if that last week leading up to Christ’s birth wasn’t a teeny tiny bit stressful for Mary also. I wondered if she didn’t have her moments when she was hurting and tired and pushed to her limit.
And so I felt gently reminded that though stress is common right now I do not have to give into it repeatedly but instead continue to moment by moment turn it over to God. I am trusting that He will lead me back to the hush.

Untitled Comment

9:29 AM, 2006-Dec-20 .. Posted by Kitty

We never think of these things. Thanks for making us think about poor Mary. The donkey ride alone would have killed me.
Kitty

Untitled Comment

4:34 PM, 2006-Dec-20 .. Posted by Ilona

What an important reminder to us all! I hope I remember this when I go Christmas shopping tomorrow : )

Ilona