OBEDIENCE

So, it's been another Christmas. Christmas 2011. This Christmas, my heart was constantly on the verge of tears as I thought about Mary. Mary, so excited, yet so scared to welcome her first baby. She knew it would be a baby boy. There were no ultra sounds, but there was God. When she held Him, when she looked deep in those little dark pools of eyes which reflected not only His soul, but the soul of His Father, did her heart stir with not only joy, but a little fear at what lay ahead for both of them? Did she move through the early days; the cutting teeth, the rashes, the smiles, coos, giggles, with apprehension lacing her joy? She knew, but she didn't know fully. She understood, but not completely. This little boy who had her heart wrapped around His finger, was also the little boy who would engrave her name on His heart as He sacrificed Himself for Her, much in the same way she sacrificed herself for Him. But yet not in the same way at all. She was proud of her little guy. He grew up. He began to reveal Himself as time went on. She was so proud of Him when they went to the wedding of their friends who lived in Cana. The wine ran out; she instinctively (God directed) knew what to do. "Let me tell my Son, He'll take care of this". She was so proud. So sure. He chastised her a little, but allowed her to keep her dignity by honoring her request. He was a good Son, this boy of hers. When whispers and rumors swirled around her ears, she heard and her heart was pierced. She wanted to take this boy and run. Hide Him. Keep Him. But she knew He wasn't really hers to keep. Not hers to hide. But yet He was. And when she saw Him beaten. Her heart was ripped to shreds. When she saw Him on the cross, she didn't see what the crowds saw. They saw a man bleeding, tormented and dying. She saw her little baby boy with the dark eyes staring into hers. She heard the echoes of His first laugh. Heard His little voice call her Mama. She remembered when her kisses dried His tears, and watched as His tears, liquid kisses, promise to heal her heart, and dry her tears. It was all she could do to not run to the cross and try to get Him off. This was her son! Her baby! Leave Him alone! But she knew. Even deeper than her soul, she knew. He belonged to us all. If not for her obedience, maybe things wouldn't have happened the way they did. She obeyed. Her heart was broken, but she obeyed. If He could obey, she could too. She did. He did. Oh, how He loves us, all.