Day 1: Mary

Today's reading was Luke 1: 26-55

1. What was God's role in Mary's life?

v46-55 Clearly Mary adores God. Not a word here about how hard this will be or the inconvenience to herself personally. We know this had to be a difficult and dangerous road that God put her on - 'adultery' was punishable by death. Certainly worse than single parenthood today, which is what God has called me to do. She speaks of Him doing great things for her, of His mercy and of his care. I need to focus on that.

2. How did she respond? Did these actions lead her towards the "rich and satisfying" life Jesus promised?

v38 "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me according to your word." That's really extraordinary, isn't it? I am watching The West Wing with my son and I am struck by the servant-ship of the senior staff. They do things almost every episode that they don't like, don't agree with - all because they have pledged their allegiance to Jed Bartlett and they trust him.  There's one episode where each and every one of the reaffirms that "I serve at the pleasure of the president." It's a great parallel you know?  I joke about that at work sometimes when I need to do something that I hate. "I serve at the pleasure of the the strategic planning team." 

Really, though, what I need to keep in mind is that "I serve at the pleasure of the Lord." I have no right to bitter about my road - God put me on it and he has a plan and I serve at His pleasure.


3. How does this story apply to me today?

I am so often frustrated by how difficult the path I'm on is - I have no margin anywhere in my life - financially, health, spirit, parenting.  I'm fearful daily about my son and his choices and his future. I'm stressed to the maximum level about money ALL THE TIME and I'm so tired.  I'm the only one to ferry the kids around, hang the Christmas lights, fix the disposal... But that's nothing up against what Mary went through and she was joyful. That's crazy. JOYFUL?

In the military, they have a phrase that sums this up - "Embrace the suck".  :) It's that awesome?  It says, "yes, this sucks but the only way to survive with grace is to embrace it." Perhaps I'm in these shoes to be a light for someone else.

I'm also struck by how, when this extraordinary thing happened to Mary, she immediately went to Elizabeth - an older mentor that would love and support her. And likely protect her. I wish I had that in my life - I need to seek that out. v39 "...Mary got ready and hurried to..." really shows the urgency. She needed the strength and support of Elizabeth.  It also shows Mary's wisdom - while she had total faith in God to sustain her, she also knew she needed physical help.  I'm terrible at that.

4. What is one thing I can do differently based on what I've learned?

Surround myself with Godly women and 'embrace the suck'.