What Was It Like?

What was it like to carry that person 
   inside her?

Did she worry if she tripped and fell?

Did she wonder if He was active enough 
   or too active?

What was it like to ride that donkey 
   to Bethlehem when every bone, 
   every muscle screamed to lie down 
   and rest?

What was it like to find out 
   that the only place she could deliver 
   the Son of God was a dirty stable 
   and her only midwife 
   was her new husband?

Did Joseph know how to help?

Did she have all the baby things 
   that she needed?

Did she wonder and worry 
   if she was doing everything right 
   as most new parents often do?

I remember watching my new son 
   while he slept and sometimes 
   touching him just enough 
   to get him to move a bit, 
   needing the reassurance that he was ok.

Did Mary ever do that?

What was it like to take her newborn son       to the temple, being able to afford 
   the least expensive offering 
   only to hear from Simeon, 
   the ancient holyman?

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be      opposed— and a sword will pierce    even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:34-35

What was it like raise this Child?

To nurse Him from her body and hope 
   she is feeding Him well enough? 

Did she pick Him up when He fell, 
   did He cry when He got hurt, 
   did she kiss the boo boos 
   of God’s little Boy?

Did she have to correct Him 
   and teach Him or did He know?

Did she teach Him about God?

How did He get along with His siblings?

With other kids?

What was it like to carry in her heart 
   the most awesome burden 
   that any mother ever carried 
   knowing that God trusted her 
   with His only Son?

What was it like?

*************************

God gave me an inquiring mind and I think about things.  I'm a mom and I got thinking about Mary and what it might have been like to have and care for God's little Boy.  The Bible doesn't tell us so we have to fill in the blanks with our imagination.  What do you think it was like?  If you are a parent, you probably have some idea but may wonder if it really like that.  Someday we can ask Mary when we go to heaven.  

In the meantime, pray for everyone.

Pray for the world, for all the leaders,

for all the people, for the victims, for the essential workers and medical providers who put their lives on the line for all of us during this pandemic.

Wear your masks, social distance, wash your hands.

Love everyone you meet, try to do every kindness you can.  We are living in a hurting, fallen world that needs all the love and kindness it can get.

And know that Our Father loves you dearly. 

He holds us in the palm of His loving hands and will help us through these black times.

May God bless you greatly, dear friend.

What Was Jesus Thinking?

                         The sun descends in glorious colors.
           The clouds reflect the sunlight adding beauty to the scene.
                            We become incredibly beautiful
                        when we reflect the majesty of God.
                            Jesus death and resurrection
                           opened the door to enable us
                to reflect that incredible beauty for all eternity.

What was Jesus thinking when He rode the donkey into Jerusalem to the shouts of “Hosanna to the son of David, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven.” (Matthew 21:9) knowing that a few days later the same people would shout “Crucify him” when given the choice of freeing innocent Jesus or a criminal? Was His heart heavy?

What was Jesus thinking when He taught His followers those last parables, those final lessons? (see Matthew 21:18 through Matthew 25)
Was He trying to make sure He had covered all the important points, so He could leave knowing He had prepared His followers for the enormous job ahead of them? Was He anxious? No. He knew how well they would spread His word and His Love?

What was Jesus thinking when He went to that Last Supper with His disciples? Did His heart ache knowing that both Peter and Judas would betray Him? Knowing that almost all His disciples who had pledged undying loyalty would run off leaving Him to suffer and die in unspeakable agony?

Did He also rejoice knowing that His words “This is my body and this is my blood” spoken over the bread and wine would be said by millions of followers for thousands of years as they, as we celebrate Jesus precious gift for us?

How did Jesus possibly manage going to Gethsemane? He knew His followers could not follow where He had to go. He said to His Father “Your will, not mine be done” knowing the agony that was to start shortly and last for many torturous hours. (Matthew 26:36-45)

What was Jesus thinking when His betrayer greeted Him with a kiss to identify Him for those who came to take Jesus to His horrible death? He knew ahead of time what was about to happen. Could I, could you have gone through it all? He was innocent, I am not. He knew He could call on God and His angels at any time to stop His death. He chose to continue knowing all those who would deny Him, refuse His love, sinning repeatedly. I could never have done what Jesus did. Imagine His love for us!

What was Jesus thinking when the soldiers pounded nails into His wrists and feet to nail Him to the cross after beating Him so badly that the skin was ripped off His back and His bones were showing, bleeding, His lifeblood oozing out onto the ground. The blood had dripped into His eyes from the crown of thorns forced on His head. He was beaten and bloody from head to toe. This was God in the person of His precious son who chose to accept this death, the punishment that we deserve for our sins. What did He say? Did He condemn? He said “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

What was Jesus thinking as He died? Why did He do this? His actions say to each of us “I love you more than this life itself. I love you so much that I willingly accept the punishment that you deserve. I want you to spend eternity with me in paradise. Will you take my hand and follow Me? 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 
 Matthew 11:28-30

What was Jesus thinking when He did all this? He was thinking how much He loves you and me and wants us with Him for eternity in Paradise. 

Will you accept?

Blessing:
Be blessed my friend, knowing that we do not have to pay for our sins, that Jesus did that for us - if we only accept.

All photos taken by Debbie unless otherwise noted.

All bible reference from the NIV
     unless otherwise noted.

If you are interested,
    you can click on the Blog Archive
    dates on the top right side of this post
    to connect to previous blog posts.

I would love to hear from you either 

    on the comment section of this blog post
    or through my email.
    debbieamcewen@gmail.com
I post every other Saturday.

The next post will be

on April 7, 2018.

                                      Spring is bringing new life.
                                     Jesus' death and resurrection
                                  bring us new life, everlasting life.
                                  Will you accept His incredible gift?
                                Photo taken at West Stockholm, NY.