“Running away was not in her character.”, Google provided this definition for character, the word that settled as I’d read in Isaiah about Mary before there was Mary.
Just now, I’ve named this windowsill decoration. I’ve been pondering why I love her, why she comes down from the attic every December.
She’s not an angel as angels are known. She has no wings, no halo, no aura. She’s holding a tray with an unadorned cypress and a few red apples.
I see her as one who brings, one who offers and loves.
Quietly
Irregardless and unrelentingly.
Silly me, it’s a ceramic statue.
But, she has no shoes on her feet, the garland of green crowning her head is only leaves and so, I see and
I sort of see me.
Little have I to give in comparison to others if giving is measured by grand or perfect.
Little am I in comparison to many, my gifts to the world pale in comparison.
Last night, in the before bed tidying, I discovered some of the manger scene had gone missing.
The little felted figures, the angel, a wise man, a shepherd and Joseph were nesting like a family of birds in the tree.
I smiled with the discovery.
I’m not sure the reason, perhaps just boredom or longing for something I can’t know.
What the mover of these had in mind for these or for me.
They’ll stay there until packed away for next year and when I look at the intentional redecoration, it’s celebration that I see.
Celebration, not imperfection in my tiny bit tedious decorating this year.
How is it I’ve never thought of Mary as a “giver”, one who questioned the reason behind things; but, set her heart on her part in the story, her character in the scene at the manger.
Mary gave.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 ESV
I have a canvas on the easel resting with edit number “several”. I’m envisioning the position of the figure sort of off center.
Now walking away, staring into some mysterious distant place, I see her being reimagined.
I believe she may be a “keeper” to remind me.
A settled soul facing forward, a gift of something fruit or flower cradled at her chest and she may be simply waiting.
She may have the stance of offering not taking.
And I believe I’m sweetly loving the thought of that.
The thought of giving, not expecting, of resting and not resisting.
Of waiting for what’s within me to create what’s meant for me not to be without.
“The Giver” will be the name of the painting.
This morning, by accident I found the words I thought might be in a book about the moon.
“The sun will beam and the moon will glow. The light will stay, little child. God is with you today and tonight. The light will stay, child. The light will stay.” Me (Look at the Moon) (?)
Light will stay, the giver has come.
Merry Christmas, all.
Continue and believe.
Stay. Good things are coming your way.
Lisa Anne Tindal 
So very beautiful. Especially you noting this: “she has no shoes on her feet”. Because that tells me she and you too are walking on holy ground right there.
And it’s such sweet affirmation to me personally too in God redirecting me to a new space to be a giver of His Son’s love, comfort and hope. Because it’s there I shared (in my opening video) about the dream God gifted me of walking on holy ground in being someone who encourages others to pull down the ceilings keeping God’s love and mercy out. Funny for me after posting this was how immediately God then showed me a ceiling that needed pulling down in my own perception of Him – but that’s how it works, isn’t it? God gifts us His intercession for others and then shows us how He’s praying that same Word over us: plunging us ever deeper into grace.
BTW I sat with that not fleeing meaning of character and layed the imminent closing of my blog before God because at first I felt triggered and ashamed- wondering if that’s showing a lack of character. Oh how good it is when we just come in these triggers of shame and lay our hearts bare. God spoke so beautifully, reminding me why He has led me to take this step and I saw how no this is not me fleeing, it’s me facing the truth and surrendering to God’s discipline of my heart and time and attention. He’s redirecting my heart to the places of His choosing for me. Closing my blog is me choosing to follow Him – to go where He’s leading me to go. This is character: staying with Jesus 😊.
Thank you for this gift. Jesus used your post to root me deeper in His love for me and in His trust of the Father’s will. God bless you, as you too keep persevering in following Him, wherever He leads you.
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Thank you for your comment, Anna. I’m rereading my own words this morning as a hopeful reset. Christmas weekend was one of strife and concerning conversations in my family. I’m still feeling very heavy and burdened, unseen and unknown as far as my sadness. Just wanted you to know I appreciate always your encouragement and I’m just in resting/waiting time for light to return.
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Look what verse I was sitting with (and researching the underlying meanings of) when you replied. Surely the LORD is in this place of your weakness (BTW persecutions mean literally “trying to suppress someone’s convictions, punishing God’s messenger”) and “distresses” mean “confined territory, narrow space”:
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 KJV
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Celebrate this moment, Lisa. It means God’s working in your midst and your heart and others’ hearts. Hugs!! May you see God’s pride shining down upon you here.
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Love you.
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And I just have this huge smile on my face remembering a moment of attack I faced this morning- aimed at my praise and worship and joy in the LORD. Oh may I too join you in celebrating this as a sign God’s up to good right here.
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