Luke 1:39-45
As an overthinker, I second-guess most decisions that I painstakingly consider from every possible angle. When I read that Mary set out and traveled in haste to her cousin Elizabeth, I can’t help but wonder if Mary also wondered: Was the angel’s appearance real? Had she made the right decision? What would Joseph or her parents think? Was she really full of grace? Was she worthy of being the Mother of God? What would all of this entail? What a relief to hear Elizabeth’s greeting and that even the babe in her womb leapt for joy at being in the presence of Mary and the yet-to-be-born Savior! This response of Elizabeth and John, combined with affirmation of the angel’s words about Elizabeth, were enough to put all those “wonderings” to rest.
When she was young, Pauline received a message about dedicating her life to God. She waited so long to become a Sister. We don’t hear much about her doubts, though human nature tells us she surely had moments of wondering – even to the point of considering an engagement to Fritz von Coffrane. Yet, through it all, we see how God remained with her, guiding her, reassuring her through prayer and interactions with others until that dream came to be. God continued to do so throughout her life.
In a few days, we will celebrate the birth of Christ, an occasion that refutes the second guessing of God’s love and commitment to each of us. It is a clear message that God wants to be with us and guide our every step. We have only to be attentive to prayer, as well as to the people and events that God will use to help us find and remain in his will.
Consider recent decisions you made. If you have any doubts about them, how might God reassure you that you made the right one? How do they reflect or reinforce God’s loving plan for you?
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