Mary's Heartbeats

It had been another exhausting day, from morning until evening. Extra time was involved in feeding hungry people who had stayed and listened, watching the Teacher for any great work that may be done before them. The 12 disciples who followed had grown tired and hungry as well, they were willing to send the people away, but no, that wasn't His way, the Jesus way. He fed them fish and bread, and used their very hands to serve it up. The meal had started with just enough for one, but they had gathered even leftovers after the 5000+ crowd was full. He was obviously tired, and sending his disciples on in their boat, he stole away up the mountain for rest and rejuvenation for his soul. But, sleep would once again evade Him . . . He saw their struggle with the waves and wind. No matter how hard they rowed, their attempts were futile, as water began to gush over the sides of the boat. So He left his quiet sanctuary and entered into the storm upon the sea. Walking toward them, ...

She was trembling as I came into the room. I spoke to her softly as her eyes welled up with tears. Separated for years from her husband, only living under the same roof, but still trying to care for him with all his physical ailments and needs. Until today, the time had come to say enough. She was tired of managing it all, fixing it all, controlling it all. She was just a wife of convenience, just one to pick up after him, and be at his beckoned call. Until today . . . I hear this story often. I know there is something within women to care and nurture, even if it isn't always reciprocal. Women have enduring patience and long suffering that can put up with excruciating pain. Women can bear the physical pain of childbirth, and yet after the birth seemingly forget the agony as they revel in the joy of their newborn babe. Marriage shouldn't be reduced to convenience. Beneath the stamina of a wife in caring for her family, is her need of being nurtured and cared for...

Back again to blogging, yea! It's been several weeks and my dry days seem to be passing. I have been searching for meaningfulness to my work. I have had more questions and wonder often about any possible good I may do, and yet peace and contentment still allude me. However, I have come to realize that rest, "time outs," and solitary activities are measures that mend my weary heart . . . It is only the beginning of a short, but focused ministry. The pressing crowds are drawn to Him magnetically, they mainly follow for their own concerns and healing. He speaks with compassion yet with authority in a way that they have never heard before. But it's mostly His acts that they seek, His amazing miracles. No one seems to notice that he often doesn't have a chance to eat without an intrusion. He catches up on sleep in the stern of a boat tossed about by afternoon gusts and gales of wind. He constantly is explaining himself, to his followers, to the religio...