Anticipation

A new fall of snow arrived within the quiet of night. This morning, I awakened with a renewed sense of anticipation. Being a native of Southern California, i giggle thinking that December is all about the snow. In the distance, a neighbor is shoveling out his driveway. I remember snickering at him 15 years ago (being new to all this 'stuff'') when he was shoveling his driveway and it was snowing outside. I thought then, "What is the point?" Now I get it.

December is all about the snow. Christmas is all about the snow. Kids are all about the snow.

This morning, I awakened with a renewed sense of anticipation.

Anticipation - a funny word.

I sit on this couch under a cozy throw, watching the wind tag through the tree branches and I think of Mary. This time, last year, I was pregnant with my now, 9 month old baby. Within erratic and unpredictable mood swings, we all survived. I think of Mary. How did she fare? What were the variables that set her off? How was she affected by her own sense of anticipation? How did the women of the day support her? Did Joseph put in more hours at work and come home late as to not face this women of unreliable state of being? Did Mary's voice raise when Joseph told her they had to hop on the family donkey and take a 'trip'? (I have yet to see a true picture of Mary upon that donkey. In today's vernacular, we would say she was airbrushed, cropped, trimmed, highlighted. She always seems to look glowing and at peace. I want to see a picture of a 9 month old woman who has been on top a donkey for a couple of days). Do we not hear of Joseph too much after the birth of Jesus because Mary kicked his ass to the curb? That has to be it.

How did Mary anticipate this time in her life?

So, my time on this couch must be put on hold as my 9 month old is clearly in need of his mommy. He beckons within his own parameters of anticipation. How did Mary do it?