A Person who Ponders

What do you ponder? Think about? Mull over? Daydream?

 Hmmm. A person who ponders is a powerful person at peace. Say that three times fast!

 

"But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart." (Luke 2: 19 RSV)

God chose a reflective young woman to mother his son. The shepherds' visit caused astonishment to all but Mary, who tucked the event into her memory bank. Years later, after the amazing incident of 12-year old Jesus with the Jewish teachers in the temple, we're told his mother "...treasured all these things in her heart." (Luke 2:51 NIV)

Mary is the picture of serenity in spite of living in a volatile society. Remember, she and Joseph eventually had to flee to Egypt for their baby's safety. Even as a lonely refugee in a foreign land, Mary was a woman at peace.

From what we know of her faith and willingness to be God's servant, we have to believe she surrendered Jesus to God's will, even as she witnessed his horrible crucifixion. How her mother's heart was torn.

But we also have to believe she was comforted by the God of peace. Did God cause her to remember all those thoughts she had placed into her mind for safekeeping throughout the years of Jesus' life? Did those thoughts fall into place like a divine puzzle?

Ponder Power

Are you in need of tranquility? Try imitating Mary's practice of pondering. Carve out time to read from the Bible and then just sit and mull it over. Look at the passage from many angles: God's perspective, your perspective, a non-believer's, and a child's. Dialog with the Lord and be immersed in his love and peace. Let his words soothe you as you faithwalk through your days.

During this hectic time of year, I wish you pockets of time to absorb God's Word and feel his unconditional love.

The Holy Family - carved out of olive wood from Jerusalem