Ponder

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."

Luke 2:19 

 

When I read this verse this morning, 

I focused on the word ponder.

 

What does it mean to ponder?

"to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate"

  

 I wonder if we are too busy to ponder the things of God.

I have been pondering some things lately.

One of the reasons I'm enjoying this time in my life is because 

I'm less busy than I've ever been before. 

I have a great job that I enjoy.

It's a job I don't have to take home with me.

I'm responsible for myself and my puppy Cinnamon.

 My children are all responsible Christian adults.

I have 5 wonderful grandchildren.

I have a nice house that keeps me 

warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and dry all the time. 

I have clothes to wear, food to eat, a bed to sleep in, and a car to drive.

I am blessed beyond measure.

 

God's blessings are what I choose to hide in my heart.

The older I get, the less material things matter to me;

the more the simple joys of living touch my soul.

I am going to spend time thinking about all God has given to me.

And as I ponder these things,

I pray He will show me how to share the things I have with others.

Not just things, but ideas, comfort, joy, peace, mercy, and grace.

Just as Mary pondered the things of Jesus' birth in her heart,

I will ponder the things of God in my heart.

And I will count myself blessed.

And I will allow those blessings to spill out onto others.

Amen!