A Mother's Special Grace

I worry about my kids.

I want the best for them and this world can be a tough place to live. These years of transitioning kids to adulthood have proven to be the most difficult for me yet. I stew and I think too far ahead and I pray like crazy.

Lately I think of Mary, then feel guilty for my minor anxieties. Oh, how that woman must have suffered. When she was pondering in the stable, was Mary thinking about the future for her child? Did she have any clue what was ahead? Did she know she'd watch her Son, God's Son, be brutally beaten? Did she know people would say awful things and accuse Him unjustly? Did she know she'd watch him die?


I think of my kids and my petty concerns compared to hers. How did she survive those three days after His death? I would have been done in. I would have crawled in a ball and died myself. How did she do it? Did God give Mary special grace? What did He tell her those three days her heart broke? Did she remember what He said about rebuilding the temple? Did she understand? Or did she just endure?

I wish I knew, but I still take hope from her. If God gave Mary special grace to raise His child, won't He do the same for me? Aren't my children really His? Won't He provide what I need to be the mother my children need? Won't He help me trust Him and relieve my worries? He'll be there every step of the way, just as He was with Mary. His Word promises it.

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Isaiah 40:11

Like Mary, I'll believe His Word. When I feel afraid, I'll cry out to Him. I'll do my best to be still and to listen and to ponder.

How will you be like Mary?



Photo Credit: :nick