painfully ordinary

In Beth Moore's Bible Study, Jesus the One and Only, she talks about Mary's Song.  She references her statement, "all generations will call me blessed" and that Mary's attitude in her song seems to be that of David, "who said, 'Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?... Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign Lord? (2 Samuel 7:18-19)" (Moore).   Then later she goes on to say, "Please don't lose the wonder of Mary's experience. Marvel with me at the fact that she was plain, simple, and extraordinarily ordinary."  So often I feel extraordinarily ordinary... I know I am ordinary; and I think why/ how on earth is God going to use me. How in the world am I going to reach people for Him, I have nothing special to offer.  Today I read this and had a complete paradigm shift.  I do have something special to offer, rather some one, who is Christ.  I am extraordinarily ordinary, but the #1 thing God is looking for in a person is a willing heart to do His will.  Do you have someone special to offer? Jesus. Do  you have a willing heart? Let Him give it to you, He'll make your dreams come true.  "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4, NIV).  I'm falling in love with Him a little more each day, delighting. Learning. Growing more willing and holding tight to the return to the joy of my salvation. Some days its a struggle like treading water for longer than I'm physically capable, then I stand on the submarine of God again... standing on Him, rather than treading alone.  sigh. 

Luke 1:39-56

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”

Mary’s Song

46And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

holy is his name.

50His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

52He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

53He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

54He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

55to Abraham and his descendants forever,

even as he said to our fathers.”

56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.