MARY

I had the opportunity to go to the Live Nativity with our Young Women tonight. My dad is in charge of all the animals again this year and so my mom met us there with my children. As I sat with my kids and explained to them what was going on throughout the short 25 minute production of this beautiful birth, so many emotions ran through me. I was amazed at how well they both sat and watched Mary and baby Jesus. I have not truly enjoyed this pregnancy like I did the first two. I am always tired, I feel huge and I am in pain quite often. I haven't taken a minute to really think about what a wonderful opportunity pregnancy is. To have a child growing inside of you is a miracle. To be able to feel this child constantly rolling around, kicking and punching is not a bad thing, it should not be an inconvenience that the baby is awake while I would like to sleep, it is a wonderful thing to lay and feel my little one. As I watched Mary tonight riding on a donkey, I thought about how I don't even like to drive in a car anymore. I couldn't even imagine having to travel on a donkey. I don't think I ever realized what a women Mary really was. This is my third opportunity to be pregnant during the Christmas season and I don't think I have ever really thought about it in Mary's perspective. Not only as she raised her baby boy, but as she carried him to birth. I wanted this little child for a very long time and now that I am carrying this little one I don't seem to be as grateful. I am going to be grateful! I am going to see the good in everything and start being positive about this pregnancy. I really am thankful for this blessing to carry this beautiful child.