Ponder These Things in Your Heart

Luke 2:16-21

Today’s Reflection: This is at least a three day journey for me, maybe more. Starting before New Years Day, I have been drawn over and over to the words in Scripture that talk of Mary pondering what is happening in her heart. You see it more than once (Luke 2:19 and 2:51) In fact, you do not hear her speak much in Scripture. 

I wonder, as I reflect, was she vocal and outgoing, always sharing about her son? Was she like the woman at the well who met the Lord and went and told everyone? I guess I’ve always thought of her more as a woman of quiet strength. She was there to support and guide, always there ready to help, and deeply grounded in the Lord. 

Why do I think this? I believe it is because when faced with amazing events in her life regarding her son, she does not race out to tell everyone right away. She takes these things in and ponders them, treasures them, and works through them in the presence of the Lord. I imagine her praying to God and bringing her questions and concerns, wondering what it all means, maybe even feeling inadequate to make sense of it all or play her part. But, she would turn to the Lord and let him strengthen her, allowing time and prayer to help her understand and know how best to proceed. 

It says in Luke 2, that everyone was amazed at what the shepherds were sharing and they were all going out and sharing what had been told them and what they’d seen. But, she rested with her son. She reflected on all these things. She stayed locked in his presence, present to the present moment with her Lord. There is something so beautiful in that simplicity. 

This is what I’ve been learning. Slow down. Don’t jump in without prayer. Take what you hear and read and give it time to sink in. Share what you are feeling with Jesus before you rush out to share with everyone else. Yes, that is what He’s teaching me right now. What a difference that is making. Slowing down, simplifying, and going to Him first. 

My friend, Tammy, had a word last year that followed her around. Imbue. Allowing the Spirit to saturate you with His truth, so that you can then let that flow back out and saturate your surroundings. That seems to strike a cord with me and rings true in the life of Mary. 

What do you think? Have you felt the draw to slow down too? Has it become a desire in your heart to deepen that connection with Jesus? How are you finding ways to make that a reality? Please share. 

XOXO,

Barb