Mary Was a MomPavyzdys

We often think that Mary rode a donkey to travel the 100 miles in four or five days over a mountainous area from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the census. More than likely, she and Joseph walked and camped out at night. She was 9 months pregnant! I remember the 10 mile car ride to the birthing center for my first birth. Don’t think I didn’t complain about the bumps in the road! Did Mary?

I’m not sure if Joseph didn’t read the map, or had to stop often for Mary’s potty breaks, or if he was just a poor planner, because when they finally arrived in Bethlehem, there was no place to stay! All the hotels were full. Nothing is said about Mary’s attitude during all this, but she certainly had a lot to endure.

Then she gives birth to her first child...in a barn! All these difficult events happening to Mary make me a little uncomfortable. Where is the account of her sobbing with disappointment? Where is her indignation? Where is the verbal straightening out of Joseph’s ineptness and inconsideration?

There doesn't seem to be any! She doesn't react. Rather, she responds. After another angel visitation and another reminder to not be afraid, she ponders.

That’s the account we are given. She thinks about and considers her situation. She isn't trying to figure things out. She isn't making plans. She isn't asking all the questions. She treasures these things in her heart!

How was she able to respond this way?

Think about this: she had carried and given birth to “Peace”!

You and I can make this same amazing choice each time we are overwhelmed by our heavy circumstances—birthing Peace. He is right there with us, the Answer to all our questions, our plans, our anxieties. Peace is a Person!

Oh Father, Jesus, be my Peace! Help me to choose You and respond to Your ways, rather than reacting from my emotions.

Is He your constant Peace in the storms of life? Are you birthing and responding with Peace, or instead, allowing your emotions to lead you?