Treasures

If you know me, you know my mad love for modern hymnwriters, Keith and Kristyn Getty.  I love their Celtic approach to worship but most importantly, I love the depth of their lyrics.  Over the course of this year, as I've felt God drawing my eyes, my heart and my attention UP to Him, a particular lyric of theirs has resonatated in my soul and stayed in my mind.  It's a lyrics from their song Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer....

Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go
And at the end of this long passage
Let me leave them at Your throne

I realize we are several weeks before Christmas, but we will ignore that truth for a moment and focus on some other ones.

As I read the Christmas story each year, one tiny verse always takes hold of my attention and my heart. Luke 2:19 says, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart".

Wow.

No question she is one of my favorite characters in Scripture. She was young, but God took note of her obedience and faithfulness, and blessed her beyond her wildest dreams. And when this craziness is going on, she just worships and magnifies the Lord. I can't get over it. I'm sure the circumstances had to be overwhelming at times, but instead of freaking out, she took the special moments and memories and hid them away in her heart.

Overwhelming is the only word I have to describe the last several months.  Losses, deaths, bittersweet transitions, grief, trials, unwelcomed changes, diagnosis, struggle, anxiety.

It makes me tired just to type it all out. Despite the craziness of this season, there have been so many perfect moments. Moments when love overshadows everything else. Moments when beauty leaves me breathless.  Moments when I'm reminded of the blessing of family and friends who are like family. Moments when a friend opens their heart to share their experiences with cancer, loss and trials. Moments when God is glorified in the midst of a storm. Moments that I've hidden away in my heart to treasure and to ponder and to learn vital lessons.

Through this season, we are clinging to truth and promises. I am seeing His faithfulness and grace in ways I never have before. Despite being overwhelmed, we are overwhelmed in peace that can only be from Him. And even if it's through tears, my heart is joining Mary's song... "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior".