Mud In Heaven: Tuesday Truth

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Tuesday Truth

As we're well into the Christmas season, naturally I studied a bit in Luke chapter 2 today and so it's on my mind and quite fitting for the "Tuesday Truth."

Luke is my favorite of the 4 gospels. History tells us that Luke was a doctor and he was the only one to write a gospel of Jesus who wasn't one of the 12 disciples. Being a doctor, his writing is very detail-oriented; and being outside of the 12 disciples, his observations on Jesus' life -- and even His death -- are real-life and matter-of-fact.

I've read this passage many times, but there were a few verses that moved me today. Just one more way that God works on me through experiences in Mommy-hood.

Luke 2:7 - "She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger..."

So this is where my Mama-ness comes out. I can totally identify with Mary. I can picture her swaddling that sweet-smelling, soft-skinned baby boy just like I've swaddled my own babies countless times, and then placing a soft kiss on the perfect tiny forehead. And I just can't help but wonder what could've been going through her mind at the time. After all, she knew what had been prophesied about Jesus.

Could she imagine that her innocent baby boy was the Messiah -- prophesied for years and years before? Did it even cross her mind that she would watch him be falsely crucified as ransom for the sins of the world? I don't know. But, I would think above all, she simply marveled at the miracle a new baby is and the favor God that had found in her.

Later on in the chapter, Luke says (in verse 19), "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."

I can quickly think back to that day 4 years ago in June; my first-born Harrison's "birth day" -- The day I became a Mama. The details and the moments of that day are vividly burned in my mind as if they happened yesterday. Just like I treasure those memories, no doubt those same moments are the things Mary treasured in her heart. Above all, she was still a Mama.

Sadly, in the hustle and bustle of trying me to create the perfect Christmas, I so quickly forget to "unwrap" the most important gift of all -- the gift of Jesus.

And as emblazoned on my memory are the details of my children's births,

so should God's gift of Jesus be emblazoned on my heart.

1 comment:

AnonymousDecember 8, 2010 at 3:04 PM
beautifully written!
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I can't think of another phrase used to describe my husband Justin than "My Better Half." He is truly just that. Aside from the values we are exactly alike in, there are an enormous amount of things that we are counter opposites. All in all, we complement each other well. If there's one thing I've learned over my years in marriage (and am still learning...work in progress), it's that it is hard and takes effort on both parts. However, the good times definitely outweigh the bad. I'm blessed beyond measure for this man who works so hard to provide for our family and be the hero that our boys deserve. He is the down-to-earth, simple life loving person that I'm striving to be more like. I'm grateful that he loves me for me, at my best and at my worst. He makes me laugh and fills our home with joy. I, quite possibly, could go on and on like a lovesick 14-year-old. Thank you Justin for being you and loving me and adoring our children. I know they see Jesus in you and am proud to call you mine.

Tears come to my eyes when I think of my growing family. It took about 3.4 seconds after delivering my first child to realize that this is what God put me on the planet for. With that joy, also came the overwhelming realization of the responsibility that entails...which is still at times overwhelming! To my boys, I am beyond blessed to be called your mother. Hearing the pitter-patter of your little feet first thing in the morning makes my day. My life has been enhanced beyond measure just because of you. You are my Heart. Harrison Reid is my first-born and there is no truer boyish boy! He is rowdy, rambunctious, and all things dirt and trucks and tractors. He keeps us rolling in laughter with his anecdotes and jokes and silly sayings. My sweet-souled boy. He is now a big preschooler and no doubt this little blog will fill up quickly with stories and photos about his days. I love you, Harrison, and thank you for making me a Mama. Brigdon David is (at this point) my baby and the sweetest, happiest baby - though I am a tad partial! Even at 9-months-old, he has a good little heart and that gummy smile can bring tears to my eyes. I think back to my pregnancy and how we longed for this baby to be a girl, and were surprised when we were told he was a boy. God created this child, this boy, for our family. I could not imagine our life without him. I love to watch Brigdon interact with Harrison and had no idea how blessed I would be by their love for each other - even at their young ages. Brigdon, thank you for being my baby. I can't wait to fill the pages of this blog with your little life story. God has big things in store for you.