A Space for Mary

Even through the pandemic, life goes on, it finds a way.

I saw a tiny green bud reaching through the concrete yesterday on my walk. My son got off his bike, and pointed to it with wonder: Mama, how does it do that?

Good question. How do we reach and continue to grow through our concrete of fear and sickness and terror?

We reach for the light, dear one. We reach and continue to move through it all.

And you know what, the bees are back, happily pollinating, not caring about COVID-19 as they buzz around, full of life and sound.

And the butterflies. Oh, sweet acrobats of the sky. You are glorious and delicate as you dance and flit about.

This week is Easter. So, I’ve been reading about Mary Magdalene. I just love her! Past scholarship always marginalized her by claiming she was “just” a prostitute. So, I’m glad newer scholarship has revealed that she was actually an important financial backer of Jesus. And a devoted friend and follower.

But she always brings me to tears as she seeks out Jesus in the tomb after his crucifixion. Can you imagine, of all the people Jesus came into contact with, it was her, a woman, who sought him out and found him? I think it was the humility of her thought that allowed her to do that.

The humility of her thought, and her openness. And…the fact that she sought him out. She didn’t wait. She actively looked for him. With wonder, she was able to find him.

Just like my kid, with wonder, found that tiny bud in the cement. And I found the bees and butterflies.

We were looking.

It’s so easy to become overwhelmed. And I have, many, many times these past weeks. As the death toll rises and time at home lengthens, I have found myself immobilized. Frozen. Silent. Terrorized.

But Mary has reminded me of that oh-so-important lesson: Seek and ye shall find.

Whatever that place of peace is for you, seek it out. You cannot simply wait, for life will cover you up if you let it.

So don’t let it.

Move. Pray. Cry. Yell. Love. Whatever it is you need to do, reach up and out of that cement.

Stretch into your space like Mary. And look with wonder at life all around. It is there, you just need to seek it out.

Be safe, dear friends.

I am holding you in my heart!

Shelly