I realize we are several weeks past Christmas, but because I am so far behind in my posts, we will ignore that truth for a moment and focus on some other ones.
As I read the Christmas story each year, one tiny verse always takes hold of my attention and my heart. Luke 2:19 says, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart". Wow.
No question she is one of my favorite characters in Scripture. She was young, but God took note of her obedience and faithfulness, and blessed her beyond her wildest dreams. And when this craziness is going on, she just worships and magnifies the Lord. I can't get over it. I'm sure the circumstances had to be overwhelming at times, but instead of freaking out, she took the special moments and memories and hid them away in her heart.
"Overwhelming" is the only word I have to describe the last couple of months. We had the Singing Christmas Trees, Christmas, and New Years, which was immediately followed by the wedding of my lovely sister and Bryan Guillot. Many of our family and friends that came in for the party wanted to take advantage of Orlando, so I spent the entire day after the wedding at Universal. Don't judge. Two days later, my mom went in for a biopsy, and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Wednesday. Since then, we have gotten to know MD Anderson very well and prayed through many treatment options. The first anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti was in there somewhere too.
It makes me tired just to type it all out. Despite the craziness of this season, there have been so many perfect moments. Moments when love overshadows everything else. Moments when I'm reminded of the blessing of family. Moments when a friend opens their heart to share their experiences with cancer. Moments when God is glorified in the midst of a storm. Moments that I've hidden away in my heart to treasure and to ponder and to learn vital lessons.
Through this season, we are clinging to truth and promises. I am seeing His faithfulness and grace in ways I never have before. Despite being overwhelmed, we are overwhelmed in peace that can only be from Him. And even if it's through tears, my heart is joining Mary's song... "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior".
