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But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart…..And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

Luke 2:19,51, ESV

These two segments from the birth of Jesus and the other when He was twelve and in the Temple are times of uplift and joy for Mary as it explains that “she treasured” things that were said and shared with her. As we look upon our lives, it is good for us to treasure encounters and moments to carry us through the difficult times we will face in our lives. The God moments where things were clear and open. Treasured moments may seem common, but can be hopeful memories when things are disordered and chaotic. It may be a simple as remembering a time when holding your child quietly as they sleep against your chest simply looking down at them or a silly moment of play. All of us will have times of struggle and suffering but God gives us moments also where we are meant to hold onto the joy and let it carry us through our lifetimes. God has given us our memories as blessings to show us His care and providence and to let us to know His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.