I am in the final stages of removing the belongings either to keep, sell or throw away. I came across this. I had to pause. I had to look at this beautiful image printed on velvet paper. While I am struggling with all the feelings of overwhelmedness and sadness for the family history that is lost and about to be tossed I think about this image. What was the young Mary thinking. Her story: pregnant before marriage, about to give birth in a strange cold place, alone except Joseph, unacceptable to society. I am sure she didn't have a friend to talk with. Then came my favorite two words in the Bible "but God." Mary and Joseph brought forth to this world a savior. That is a giant "But God"!!. God changed a little girl from being scared, alone, cold, confused, outcast to the mother of our savior. This old Christmas card shows the beginning not the end. This picture reminds me even in these moments in our lives that are overwhelming that a beginning is on the horizon. There is nothing like when God says to you "But God will give you rest" even if it is only long enough for Him to tell you He loves you in all stages of your life.
