"Meta-Membering"

Twice in Luke 2, we learn that Mary "treasured" in her heart the events of her young family. As the mother of Jesus, she had some unusual encounters. From visiting shepherds and magi, to prophetic words spoken over her newborn, Mary's motherhood brought unique experiences. She held onto these memories, pondering them.

We all know about remembering. We recall aspects of an experience and put them together in our minds. We take the "members" of the event and assemble them mentally. Thus we re-member. 

But we can also take separate events and put them together, finding meaning in the flow of our lives. This is more than remembering specific times. It is meditating on the trajectory of life and seeking to understand our stories. It takes remembering to a higher level, seeking to see God's involvement and direction in our lives. We could call this "meta-membering." 

You need to make time for this kind of reflecting. It won't happen in the rush of daily life. But if we will stop to look at life and listen to God's insights (through prayer), we might experience the richness of life that God intends.