But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)

LittleLambofGod

I was in a gift store about a month ago and I saw a plaque that read: Sometimes it’s the smallest things that take up the most room in our hearts.

Most women know how true these words are. Over the decades of our lives, we save little memories in our hearts, like treasures.   I’m in my fifties now and I have a closet filled with my children’s artwork and photos. I’ve often told myself that if there was ever a fire, I’d rush to that closet and retrieve as much as possible.  These trinkets remind me that memories are far more valuable than possessions.

Mary saved memories too. In a humble stable, as she rocked her baby, and the shepherds drew near, and the star above the manger glowed brightly, she treasured up all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

This Advent, let’s follow Mary’s lead.

Let’s meditate on stories of faith, hope, and love.

Let’s crowd our hearts with the things that matter most.