Sunday, December 26, 2010

Mother Mary

Today in worship young mothers tended their little ones -- whispering in the child's ear, finding toys in the bag, pulling snacks out, holding the hymn book, rocking a babe...

Isn't that what Mary did with her son, Jesus? Care, direction, comfort, and gently guiding through an activity or event comes naturally for a mother.

Proverbs 31 further directs us toward walking righteously as a woman. An excellent wife is a prize to her husband as she maintains a relationship with her husband, remains a good steward, takes physical care of house and household, extends self beyond family, and develops proper attitude and actions in fear of the Lord.

Mary's poem, "the Magnificat," gives insight to her journey with God during her time in waiting for the birth of her babe:
My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count be blessed.
For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.

And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him.
He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in thoughts of their heart.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And exalted those who were humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his offspring forever.
Luke 1:46-55

Mary was not focused on the uncomfortableness of pregnancy, but on the majesty of the Lord. Her heart was toward giving praise for His mercies to His people and provision to those in need.

The path does get tiring with little ones pulling a mom in many different directions. A mom might want an escape from the noise and chaos that seems to overwhelm the atmosphere of the "Christian house". Having a moment to self might seem impossible. The reward comes at a later time.

For me, the children are grown and have children of their own. The reward for all the stress and tiredness from the past is in the present. I look and see my son and his family and daughter and her family serving the Lord. Jesus Christ as God's Son, Savior of all, has been passed to new generations.

Did Mary have a clue that her son, Jesus, would one day pass a new message to new generations? Did she know that Jesus, Son of God, came to earth that all might come to know Him?

Did Mary also have hindsight that left her past with a reward coming at a later time? Between the past and the future lay faith in her God - she clung to love, His mercies, and exaltation to Him.

What do you cling to?


No comments: