Being a Mary kind of Women....

It's hard to believe that it's been almost a full year since my husband has been looking for work.  There have been so many days that I have cried to God asking how much longer must we go on like this?  Life has been so tough this year, beyond tough sometimes, and I have grown so weary of traveling this road?  I also have been looking for work but was having no success at finding anything.  This week, God has answered that prayer for work. Though, not exactly like we thought.  We always thought that Brian would be the one to find and take on a full time job and I would take on the part-time work and caring for our girls and the day to day running of the house.  But last week an job opportunity opened up, I had an interview and just like that, I was hired.  I'm still in a bit of shock over the whole thing but incredibly grateful.
Of course, along with a new job comes changes...what season of life doesn't have change?  I will go to a 40 hour work week, which I haven't done in a long time, Brian will take on being Mr. Mom a little bit more, and some of my long held dreams will have to be put on hold once again.  Those are tough things for me, but like I told the Lord earlier.."I'm willing Lord if you open the door...willing to lay down my dreams for my family, for whatever else you have for me in this...trusting that one day you will bring those dreams back if it's in your plan. In the meantime, just help me to walk in faith in this new place."
Reflecting on that it brings to mind a verse that many of you know well "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."(Jeremiah 29:11) I hold onto that every day.
During this season, that we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus, I also have to think about Mary and what she said to the angel when He told her that she has been chosen to carry God's own son.  Can you imagine what must have filled her mind? Here was a young girl that was engaged to be married. She had all the hope and excitement for the future that comes when you anticipate your wedding and living a life with the one you love.  I'm sure she had hopes and dreams too...maybe even big dreams...and just like that those dreams seemed like they would be snuffed out.  But what strikes me most about Mary, this young women of God, was her response: "Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true." (Luke 1:38) Wow!! Now that is faith.  In that instance she let go of what she wanted to take on what God wanted. And I am so grateful for that.  Through Mary's obedience, a Savior was born, who then grew, was crucified on a cross, and rose three days later...offering salvation to the world, offering salvation to you and to me.
Now, I'm no Mary!  I can't say that I always say Yes right away when I know God is calling me to something, when He's asking me to step somewhere I can't see real well. There are days I still worry over how all this will work out but my hope and reassurance is that if "God brought me to it, he'll bring me through it".  I want to be a Mary kind of women! Lord help me be a Mary kind of women.!

May you be blessed this Christmas season.  Remember...It's not so much about whats under the tree but about the man who died on a tree...not so much about what's under the tree but who's around the tree.  Love on your family and those close to you, shine the light of his Holy Spirit where ever you may go!

Blessings,

~Victoria