God has a big-picture view of life. He is writing a saga of redemption, salvation, glory, and blessing for all people through Jesus. And I believe that Mary knew this. I don't think she fully understood it, but she seems to have believed it. So she treasures the good and the bad, because Jesus, her son, is the Son of God. His birth was miraculous. His life would unfold in ways that would defy simple assessments of good or bad moments.
This is good for me to remember. What may seem like a set-back may be a set-up for something profoundly good. What may seem good may become a moment's fleeting joy that dissolves into disappointment. But when we look to God, and see ourselves as part of his grand story of redemption we can hold all manner of things in our hearts. When we do we can look for God's redeeming love to sustain us and work all things for our good.
For God is good and is working for the eternal blessing of all people. And it's all connected to our faith Jesus.
