Young and trusting...

"Mary said, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.'"
Luke 1:38

And just like that, Mary's Yes, rings out through the universe and the world changes forever. One thing that lately has touched me is this...we never hear that Mary went to any trusted male relative with this news. We don't read that she talked it over with her father, or rabbi, or even her husband-to-be, Joseph. This young woman didn't seek any male advice after the angel shared the startling news. We read that Mary said Yes, then went to her cousin, Elizabeth, who had some startling news of her own. Mary, a child herself, really, didn't need to consult the men in her life because she totally trusted God. Maybe she knew on some level that the men wouldn't get it. But she also knew Elizabeth would.  On Pray-As-You-Go this morning, we were invited to picture Mary there with the angel Gabriel. What does she look like? What is the expression on her face? As I prayed and pictured her, I thought she looked so young, but also I saw a wise, trusting look on her face. She knew all would be OK and she didn't need to consult anyone to know that this was so. Today, as we go through our Advent Friday, let's pray for the trust in God and God's plan that Mary shows in her visit with Gabriel.  Love, heidi