But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

As a mom I find myself watching my kids and wishing there was a pause button for life. I want to slow down time and enjoy some moments a little longer. Obviously these are happy moments, filled with laughter and love (as opposed to tantrums and screaming).

Sometimes I take a picture or get a quick video so I can go back and watch it later. But I’m just treasuring these things in my heart.

Just as Mary did with Jesus.

I can only imagine how overwhelmed Mary must have felt. We always picture her as being angelic and calm but I don’t know a single new mom who is “calm.” Especially if she just had a long journey, then gave birth in a stable and had some shepherds visit afterwards.

The Bible doesn’t say much about her except that she “treasured these things up and pondered them in her heart.” I can relate with that. Quiet moments with a newborn, when they are sleeping peacefully and you try to create a memory that you will never forget.

I’m sure that’s what Mary was trying to do.

The Bible also doesn’t say much about motherhood. There are stories about mothers but very little that is specific to being a mom. But I think this verse sums up much of what mothers do.

Sure we get frustrated and overwhelmed. We complain about always having little people hanging off of us but that doesn’t mean we don’t treasure our kids.

And I think that’s what God intended.

The days are hard but God gives us special moments to file away and reflect on. We get to see a side of our children no one else does, the good, the bad and the ugly.

There are so many difficult parts of a day. Often we think of motherhood as a time in our lives when we were exhausted (because we were)! But it’s also a magical time when our kids are learning and growing. We get to sit in a front-row seat to watch their lives and participate in all the wonderful milestones!

Sometimes all we need to do is sit back and enjoy the moment.

If you’re a mom who’s struggling I encourage you to look for those moments to treasure. And if you can’t find them, make them. Sit with your kid on the couch as they watch TV and laugh with them. Tussle their hair and tell them how much you like them. Read their favourite book, twice.

If you are past having kids, are a grandparent, an aunt, a Godparent or friend, reflect on your treasured moments. You’ve filed them away for a time like this, to ponder them. So ponder away! Laugh, smile and reminisce. Children are a treasure that should never be forgotten!