The art of living lightly
Happy Feast of the Annunciation!
Nine months before Christmas, the church celebrates Mary’s “yes” to God’s plan for her life. I often try to remind myself how much of a shock this invitation would have been to her. We have heard the story of Christmas and the story of Mary’s yes so many times that I think it’s tempting to forget how earth-shattering and confusing it likely was for her. Even though Mary was full of grace and had no sin, and her relationship with the Lord had never been broken, she was still scared. She was young, and she had no idea what this meant for her or for her life, but because of her relationship with God, because she knew Him and His character, she said yes.
I think that’s a very important part of this gospel. Mary didn’t say yes in a vacuum, and neither do we.
Yesterday, a specific line popped out in my morning prayer:
Forty years I loathed that generation;
I said: “This people’s heart goes astray;
they do not know my ways.”
The language may sound harsh, but to put it in context: God here is talking about the Israelites, His chosen people, whom He rescued from slavery in Egypt, led through the Red Sea, fed with manna from heaven, and led by cloud and fire. He showed them over and over again His faithfulness. Yet, they kept forgetting His providence. Their hearts went astray, and they forgot His ways.
Contrast this with Mary today: she knew the heart of God, His character, His faithfulness. Therefore, when He asked something big from her, she said yes, because she knew His ways were and are and always will be good.
We all want to be like Mary — docile, trusting, open, joyful, and free to always say yes to God and trust in His plan. But I’m often more of an Israelite: wandering around the desert and mumbling and grumbling anytime I’m confused or feel out of control.
Moving to the other side of the world, living in a completely different context, and being surrounded by new people and communities has been a pretty out-of-control experience. As I fight to find new routines and habits and friends, I’ve fallen into the (false) belief that it’s all on me: that I need to figure it all out for myself, right now. (I need friends, I need a favorite church, I need a Pilates studio, I need a routine!!) But God in His generosity has been so gently, so kindly, so lovingly revealing His providence for me here — one step at a time. And it’s been a wonderful reminder that I am not, in fact, in control.
I can frequently fall into that (pervasive) belief is that “freedom” comes from having “control.” But I’ve found that the truest freedom is found in resting in the trust that God knows what He’s doing and has everything for me. I was reminded this week of a quote from G.K. Chesterton: “the angels fly because they take themselves lightly.” To trust God is the ultimate freedom, the ultimate joy, the ultimate peace.
And I can’t think of a better model than Mary for moments like these.
I pray you have a blessed Annunciation, and that the Lord might pour out His grace for greater trust and hope so that you (and I) may live lightly this week :)
In Christ,
Jane
What I’m loving lately
I was able to go out to my Godfather’s horse farm this weekend and wow it’s just my favorite place. So peaceful, so lovely, so serene. I haven’t spent much time in my life with horses but I cannot help but marvel at how gorgeous and wonderful they are. It was lovely also to just take a long walk around the farm (sans airpods, thank you, Lent) and just listen to the crazy bird sounds and look out into the trees.
Slowing down
Holy moley it has been nonstop since I got here, but on Sunday afternoon I was able to take a nice long run around the city, and I was reminded of how much I just love going for runs with no time crunch: I can stop as much as I want, which is exactly what I did when I saw this parrot bird eating in a tree above my head. We hung out for about 15 minutes (he’s my first new non-work friend in Sydney 🥰). It reminded me of the value of slowing down, which I’m trying (desperately) to do a bit more right now as I explore a new place!
Something not about animals
On Friday night, after a longggg week, I took myself to the Opera Bar and enjoyed a glass of rose in the sunshine. It was GLORIOUS. I read my kindle and chatted with some German tourists and ate some sushi. As a hyper extroverted girly, it’s a new challenge for me to run around and do things by myself, but it’s kind of freeing? And it’s also kind of fun to think about what I would do if I have no plans/expectations on me - like what do I think is a fun way to spend a Friday night? A Sunday afternoon? I don’t know - it’s weird but also a fun new challenge. Stay tuned.
Prayer requests:
For a friend who is grieving
For all those looking for employment
For a special intention