A Time for Hope - Advent Devotions 2019
Monday, December 23 - Bonnie Distad
Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
Two words speak to me from this favorite passage of the Christmas story from Luke. First is “treasure” meaning to preserve a thing from perishing or being lost. Second is the verb “pondering” meaning to think about (something) carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion.
Mary treasured God’s words to her and remembered God’s promises. She must have pondered her circumstances being unwed and pregnant, giving birth in humble surroundings and the Shepherds visiting to be a witness to the sacred birth.
What do I treasure in my heart? I can learn from Mary. I can listen and learn and let God lead me in all that I do with my adult children and grandchildren. Let my first response be to treasure them in my heart. Let me take time to pause, breathe and ponder what I observe in my relationships with them. Can I stay in the present and cherish this miraculous blessing of the ordinary everyday happenings? It can be as mundane as talking on the phone, texting or transporting.
How can I honor the practice of pondering? Can I slow down during this hectic season to pause, breathe and see the beauty of just this moment, this day? I can thank God anywhere, anytime for the blessings of the moment. A smile at a stranger in the grocery store, watching a praying mantis in my garden or waving at a child are all ways for me to say “Thank you, God.” Each night before going to sleep I can pull out a small journal and write three things I am grateful for in two seconds. Gratitude focuses my heart and mind on what matters. The very act of pondering can bring hope to my heart. Thank you, Mary, for your faithful example.
Dear Lord, In this season of hustle and hurry, help me to look with love and wonder at the gift of family and friends. Let me make time to treasure and ponder the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth and the blessings you have bestowed upon me. Amen.
Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
Two words speak to me from this favorite passage of the Christmas story from Luke. First is “treasure” meaning to preserve a thing from perishing or being lost. Second is the verb “pondering” meaning to think about (something) carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion.
Mary treasured God’s words to her and remembered God’s promises. She must have pondered her circumstances being unwed and pregnant, giving birth in humble surroundings and the Shepherds visiting to be a witness to the sacred birth.
What do I treasure in my heart? I can learn from Mary. I can listen and learn and let God lead me in all that I do with my adult children and grandchildren. Let my first response be to treasure them in my heart. Let me take time to pause, breathe and ponder what I observe in my relationships with them. Can I stay in the present and cherish this miraculous blessing of the ordinary everyday happenings? It can be as mundane as talking on the phone, texting or transporting.
How can I honor the practice of pondering? Can I slow down during this hectic season to pause, breathe and see the beauty of just this moment, this day? I can thank God anywhere, anytime for the blessings of the moment. A smile at a stranger in the grocery store, watching a praying mantis in my garden or waving at a child are all ways for me to say “Thank you, God.” Each night before going to sleep I can pull out a small journal and write three things I am grateful for in two seconds. Gratitude focuses my heart and mind on what matters. The very act of pondering can bring hope to my heart. Thank you, Mary, for your faithful example.
Dear Lord, In this season of hustle and hurry, help me to look with love and wonder at the gift of family and friends. Let me make time to treasure and ponder the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth and the blessings you have bestowed upon me. Amen.