It’s from Luke 2:19, and it hit me so much that when I saw these images of both my “Marys” from Christmas Eve show up on my camera I wanted to keep them close. And ponder them as well.
There is power in pondering. A power that brings understanding and light. Guidance and safety.
And I like to think that Mary was well-aware of that.
She had to be to do what she did.
Sometimes in this world crammed to the gills with technology, never-ending ideas thrown at us and endless cyberspace to “catch up with,” I think it’s easy to forget about the pondering and just get busy with the “doing” without giving it much thought.
Try that new recipe!
Buy that cute outfit!
Try this new diet!
Watch that show!
Create that perfect party!
Connect!
Create!
Build!
Do!
And all of it is fine and good, and quite often helps us to progress in wonderful ways. But as we race from one thing to the next trying so hard to “fill” it with goodness sometimes we forget to keep some of those things and ponder them in our hearts.
And we forget that the pondering itself is what could fill it up rightly.
That very pondering could possibly make all the difference. Could slow us down. Could help us remember what’s most important. And help us find the joy that waits patiently for our hearts to allow it in.
I fell so in love with this scripture as I was doing some of my own “keeping:” many things nestling into my heart, and pondering them in that safe place.
So GUIDED as an action word spoke to me this year. I was guided to that word. Truly. And I’m excited to try to act on what I need to do to gain that guidance.
I’m adding my own little addendum to my favorite scripture of the holidays: “And Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart,” …and was guided in how to interpret and incorporate and act upon them.
I have already started deliberately listening better for that guidance and it makes a difference.
15 comments
It's 1:40am and I read this as I paced the dark halls of my house trying to get my sick 7 month old to sleep and kept thinking how many times I've been guided in my mothering by reading your blog. Thank you for DO-ing and inspiring so many of us!
Thank you so much, these words spoke straight to my heart. It has been a long, tiring day and I needed some inspiration to start again tomorrow, encouragement to pray for guidance and stop measuring myself against my idea of perfection. Thank you from this weary mother on the other side of the world.
I've never commented, I don't think. But I just wanted to tell you that this little corner of the internet is a daily inspiration to me. I have learned so much from you insights and parenting. I am several years behind you with three young kids/toddlers and it's so nice to see the wrestling and learning that happens as life moves on. I learn more and more each day as a parent and I love learning from others as well – like you. Thank you for posting your thoughts! I love to read about it.
By the way – I was so happy and surprised to see the Crofts family on here! I grew up with her family in Georgia!
I benefit from your blog daily. Thanks for such inspiration and for always making me smile. Beautiful words! Hope you have a wonderful 2017.
LOVE this. This blog has helped me immensely look at life and the world differently!! Thank you!!
Thanks for this. Throughout my life, I've always tried to keep a "hero" in my sights. Someone about five years ahead of me, who is where I want to be. You have been that for me for a few years now. Your example has been priceless to me. Thank you!
Thank you for your inspiring blog!!! I absolutely love it!!
Shawni, you have a wonderful mind! I am inspired by "your word"! It's so important to feel the spirit guiding you to what is needed! Love you!
Beautiful. Thank you for your honest thoughts. They've given me some things to ponder as well.
Thank you for sharing yourself and your family. I always look forward to your posts. You are a brave lady, Shawnie. Never commented before, but wanted you to know that I do love reading about your journey. It is funny how different we all are, but "oh, how alike we all are". I loved this post. May you be guided throughout 2017.
This is one of my favorite Christmas scriptures also and your post reminded me of one of my new favorite Christmas songs written & performed by my husband's family. It's the musical version of your post! Thanks for the inspiration this morning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcHN1YkeYnk
Love this so much. I'm in awe of how deeply God knows each of our unique children, their potential, our hearts deep down, and daily situations to guide us in his quiet but sure way. Really this word to me sums up the whole purpose of life.
I am a 30 year old mama of 3 girls and I read your blog almost daily. It is so inspirational to me because you are real and honest and SO HUMBLE without being fake. You're genuine and such a deep person and you were made for marriage and motherhood. I admire and deeply respect you. I never want you to feel weight or burden or an obligation to blog (because that takes the fun out of it) but I hope you realize that's it's never in vain. Your words are like water to a dry and weary (at times) soul, because you're allowing the Holy Spirit to flow through you and minister to all of us!
love this
I know you wrote this awhile ago, but I stumbled upon it and had to tell you, your blog helps. A lot! I find your parenting and perspective so inspiring. Thank you for sharing these bits of your life.