What to ponder? + BYU Radio interview

As I read in the Bible in Luke this past week, one of my favorite lines popped in bold relief yet again:
“But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”
From surprising little scripture, we know important things about Mary. We know that she loved the Lord, was willing and obedient to do His will, and was favored of the Lord. And, we know that she knew and valued scripture, using them to express her deepest feelings by quoting Isaiah!
As the mother of the Savior, I can only begin to imagine the tender things she would have to ponder. What would His future be like, what was in store for Him? How would they protect Him and help him fulfill His mission? What kind of mother would she be—to parent and care for him in the way He needed? With such a rough start, not having a decent place for Him to be born? How would they make it through the trials before them right now?
And many more questions in heart to ponder. And yet it has struck me how many of them are similar, in a smaller but very real way, to our concerns as mothers of our own children. I’ve wondered those same questions, and pondered the best answers for me and each child. Sometimes the answers come simply, at other times not for many months or years.
But no matter the answer, what I’ve found is the importance of the pondering. The opening our hearts and souls to the Lord and listening for His direction and comfort. Time is precious and we have lots to do. And yet, taking a minute, two minutes or even more to be still, to open our hearts to Him with a question, worry, or observation can create a meaningful moment. We can be taught, or healed, or lifted. In those moments, we feel close to Him, and what He shares lightens our load.
This week I invite you to ponder. Invite His peace and joy in this simple way and feel, as Mary, that “my spirit hath rejoiced…and my soul doth magnify the Lord.”
Merry Christmas,
Connie
P.S. Don’t miss my interview on The Matt Townsend Show on BYU Radio. Click here to download.