My Treasure

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" Luke 2:19

I have a 17 month old little boy. He is amazing. He's kind and gentle, fun and loving, smart and helpful. The list goes on and on. I love everything about him. I relish in each of his new discoveries. I remember his first smile and laugh. His first word. The first time he kissed me. When he learned to feed himself with utensils. When he learned to do a puzzle by himself. I beam with pride every time he starts dancing when his daddy plays a song. When he raises his little hand during worship. When he replies "God" when we ask him who loves him the most.

I treasure all these things in my heart.

Can you imagine what it was like to be Jesus' mother? The pride and joy she felt? When Jesus was born, and the shepherds shared all that had been revealed to them about the precious baby that was lying in the manger, Mary's response was to "[treasure] up all these things and pondered them in her heart." How amazing that must have been; to hear affirmation that the child she was blessed with is the Messiah!

Then later, when Jesus was a young boy, he went missing from his parents for three days. They eventually found him, with the teachers in the temple courts. "Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers." Again, Mary couldn't help but be filled with pride and joy, and "[treasure] all these things in her heart."

I love these two passages. What I love even more, is that the Bible goes on to say "[a]nd Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."

This simple sentence speaks volumes to me. It is a reminder of what an honor and responsibility raising children is. Sure Mary was irritated that it took 3 days to find Jesus, when he "should" have been with them the whole time. But she didn't dwell on it or punish him, breaking his spirit. Instead, she saw the big picture. She saw the value in what he was doing, and she treasured it. As a result, she helped enable Jesus to grow into the man he was sent here to be.

Lord, help me to see the big picture. Help me not to get caught up in the daily tasks and challenges that face me, but see eternally. Give me the strength and wisdom to raise my children in a way that enables them to grown in wisdom and stature, and in favor with You and man. Help me to teach them in your way, not just my words, but by my actions. Help me to prepare them to lead a legacy that loves and lives for you. Amen.