Dec. 3, 2012

When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee, to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David of David’s house. The virgins name was Mary. – Luke 1:26-27

Ever have a day that turned out differently than expected? Today was one of those days for me. I knew decisions related to my Dad’s health were foremost. And we made decisions that will affect both of my parents and our family. My Dad’s health care is moving into a different direction.

Was it any different for Mary the day Gabriel visited her? I cannot imagine that when the day began, Mary ever expected a messenger to show up as she went about her daily routine. The news the messenger dropped on Mary? One word: unbelievable. Jaw-dropping, I-think-I’m-dreaming caliber.

This one visit changed every day forward for Mary. Did she think of her life as “before the visit” and “after his visit?” I’m not sure. I’m confident Mary knew once she accepted the offer, her life would never, ever be the same.

When a 13- or 14-year-old engaged Hebrew girl became pregnant, the penalty was stiff: death by stoning. Even if this did not happen, most likely Mary’s finance would leave her. Her family would be disgraced. She had to reconcile that she would probably raise this child as a single Mom. Talk about heavy things, for a teenager. Yet Mary accepted Gabriel’s news.

Actually, the news Mary received changed not just her life; it changed the world forever.  We have all had decisions that have changed our lives: getting married, where to live, a change of careers amongst various others. When we have one of those days when we make life-changing decisions, let’s be inspired by Mary’s faithfulness to God. Remember her words: “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.”

Lord God, our lives are peppered days that turn out differently than expected. There are events and days that we label as “before” and “after.” Thank you for Mary’s model of how to graciously deal with these times in our lives. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne