Instead of “why me” what if we try, “let it be.”
A wise man once explained to me that there are no “good days” or “bad days.” There are just days. And in each day good and bad things happen.
Some days will be more memorable than others, and many are memorable because of the good things or sadly, the bad things that happen in them. But the bottom line is – they are all just days!
If you read the passage in Luke where Mary encounters the angel, you can’t help but be moved by how it ends.
Here is this young girl, most likely who lived in poverty and was a servant girl, who has this encounter with a messenger from God who tells her she is going to give birth and this baby is going to be extraordinarily special.
She knew the ramifications that were going to come in the days ahead.
Yet – instead of arguing or whining, she simply says, “let it be.”
One of the misconceptions we have about faith is that it is all going to work out ok. We think that because we worship God, give some money to a church, or try to live like a “Christian” would, life is going to be easy and good. However, bad things happen.
In fact, tragic things happen to even the best of people.
It is in those moments that we find ourselves asking, “why me?”
Perhaps if instead of asking, “Why me” – we would find more peace and hope if we adopt Mary’s statement, “let it be.”
It is when we offer that prayer that we open ourselves up to the work of God in our midst. When we say, “let it be” it is as if we are relinquishing control (which is so hard for us to do). But when we let go of that control and open ourselves up to the power that is bigger than ourselves, that is when we can start to feel peace even in the deepest grief.
As we prepare for Christmas, what if we practice saying, “let it be.” And see what happens within us when we open ourselves up to the possibilities of God.
Luke 1:
34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”[c] 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[d] will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.