Treasures Pondered

   My memories of excitement and anticipation when the time was near for each of our babies to be born are intermingled with vivid recollections of confusion, discomfort, distraction, awkwardness and impatience. 

   Last minute arrangements for the children, loading backpacks with clothes, toothbrushes, storybooks and favorite stuffed animals, repeated explanations of the course of events on a toddler’s level of comprehension, one extremely overjoyed and slightly nervous husband, the feelings of nausea, a troublesome pinched sciatic nerve, the ever-present backache and, to top it all off, labor pains. 

   Mary rode on a donkey.

  

   Our baby came home to a safe, comfortable, sanitary house with warm blankets and no cat litter boxes within ten miles. 

   Mary’s baby was born among dirt, hay and animal waste, warmed by the heavy breath of curious domesticated animals, wrapped in hastily gathered cloth normally used for wrapping the dead.

   Of course, then there were the well wishing friends and relatives, people from church bringing amazingly delicious casseroles and treats for the children, and a trip to the airport to pick up Mom! 

   Mary was far from home, family and friends, many of whom had rejected her for becoming pregnant as she did.  Unfamiliar men, astounded and prompted by a large gathering of angels, walked down from the hillside to adore her child.  Foreign dignitaries brought unique, expensive gifts which seemed out of context.  The town was extremely crowded and inexpensive food was difficult to obtain.

   In the wee hours, as the family slept, I arose quietly to feed and rock our baby, gently humming songs of praise to the Giver of Life.  These treasured moments of nurturing remain highlights of my entire experience as a mother.

   Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

   Mary and I each gave birth, witnessed the first breath of new life, nurtured and cared for our tiny helpless infants, received tidings of joy from very special people, and were amazed at the nearness and intimacy with which nothing else could ever compare.

   Did Mary know that her tiny precious newborn would be my baby’s Life as well?  Perhaps…

~ae

"But Mary treasured all these, pondering them in her heart.” 
~Luke 2:19