Today was a great beginning to the new year. My sister and I made a delicious breakfast, then my parents and I headed off to church. Today the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. January 1st has been the hardest day for me to try to make it to church and I have always questioned why it is a Holy day of Obligation – but I digress. I was determined to make it today and somewhat surprised that my parents were up and ready to go as well. It was truly beautiful. The gospel reading described the scene when the shepherds went to the stable to find the baby Jesus there. It included one of my favorite lines of scripture, “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” There are a few references of Mary “pondering” things in her heart. I love this image as to me it means that although she agreed to be the Mother of God, she did not fully understand what that meant or even know exactly the effects of things that were happening at the time. She said “yes” to God and trusted that His beautiful plan would enfold in her and her son’s life. I would like to have that kind of trust. But, more often than not, when things don’t go the way I expect or want, I question God or get upset. I need to do more pondering. The music at the Mass was also beautiful and prayerful. I was so happy that I made it to church. It gave me food for thought and for my soul to get me started on the right track.

I Found God today by reflecting on Mary’s pondering.