Today’s scripture: Luke 1:26-38 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tammy Mills):
The title of today’s Be Still is from the Dixie Chicks song, I’m Not Ready to Make Nice. I love this line because it made me think differently. I hadn’t really ever thought of “my world turning around” as a good thing, that I might even like. Recent events in my life have led me to conclude that getting your world turned upside down isn’t necessarily bad. When we are spinning upside down and all around, we get the terrifying — yet wonderful — opportunity to see things differently.
In today’s reading Mary’s world gets turned upside down. She hears unbelievable news, and her world will never be the same. That moment the angel visited changed everything. Her life had been headed on one course, but now suddenly and unexpectedly, it was flying off the tracks!
Ever had a time like that in your life? Just about two weeks ago, as we sat with our first born in the doctor’s office, I heard him say she would need to have open heart surgery. That was the last thing I expected to hear! Suddenly everything changed. It really felt like my world was turning upside down. (I had the nausea to prove it!) I knew in that moment that things would never be the same.
And things haven’t been the same — but what I have learned is to hold on! As your world turns upside down and all around, there are some wonderful views along the way. I wonder what wonderful views Mary saw as her world turned upside around?
Thought for the day: When those life changing moments come, do I hold on for the ride? Do I open my eyes to catch the new view?
Today, let’s join together in prayer for: my own spiritual growth, especially for the spiritual fruit of patience.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.