I Can't Stop Thinking...

Wednesday January 12, 2010


I can’t stop thinking about Mary.

Maybe it’s the mom in me. I sat by the Christmas tree with my newborn years ago, and I thought of her then. Holding one so new to the world in my arms, I felt a connection. And I think of her now.

She was so young, by our standards. So alone, with only her husband for help. The night had to be confusing and scary, so unpredictable. And then, after the birth and things had settled down, a host and a bunch of rough shepherds show up!

A new mom, in such a rough setting, the instant adulation, all the prophecies and phrases she’d heard for so long all converging on her in that one night. And there was the recent memory of visits with her cousin Elizabeth and an ethereal visitor. And that night sky must have been breathtaking. So very much had to be rolling around in her mind and heart.

And what did she do? She pondered. She treasured.

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19)

Two weeks after the holiday, I’m still running around trying desperately to accomplish so much. Yet Mary pondered.

I need to learn to treasure the moments, regardless of the setting.
I want to ponder, to ruminate and dwell on – not just take everyday events at face value.

I can’t stop thinking about it. I want to learn to ponder, to treasure.

What do you want to learn?
Is there something you can't stop thinking about?

6 comments:

Michelle DeRusha said...

I LOVE that one little verse. I went to a conference in December where I heard Beth Moore talk for about an hour on that one line -- it was mesmerizing! You would have loved it...she gave me so much to think about it.

Praying you can find a bit of space to treasure and ponder, Laura...

Melissa said...

I like this verse. Mary must have been a very strong young woman to have the grace she had.

I think that time for pondering and contemplation has been lost in the rush-rush-rush society of today. Here in the Northeast US, it never seems to stop! That's why we like to vacation in the South, where that same pressure doesn't exist.

But you're right, and I think we need to make it happen: to make a point of treasuring the moments. This is why I treasure quiet times, especially in the midst of the noise and chaos.

Faith said...

Good post, Laura! lol..I have loads of time to ponder...here in Albany NY area we have our first snow day of the school year! we are in the midst of a blinding white snowstorm! already, 5 inches has fallen and we are supposed to get at least another 4 before midafternoon! So...today I am pondering about my oldest daughter leaving for college in August and planning on doing some writing in her journal....some "treasures" i want to be tucked in there...have been writing in it since she was born....sporadically....to give to her when she turns 21....can't wait to start "pondering" and writing what God wants me to give her.....treasure today, Laura!!

Heidi @ Decor & More said...

I hope you can carve out some time to ponder all those wonderful blessings in your life, Laura. I have had the gift of 3 snowdays this week to do some of that myself. But I struggle to make that part of my everyday... something to strive for in the new year.

Diane said...

I've been thinking about her lately too. There was very little written about her later on, her defining moment was would she trust and believe in the beginning? :O)

Karen said...

Stop and treasure. I need to say that to myself everyday. Thanks, Laura.

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