Following the angel’s instructions, the shepherds arrived in Bethlehem to find the newborn baby lying in a manger. Wondering why these strangers had come to see her child, the shepherds told Mary about the angels’ announcement. Luke says, “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.”

Mary reveals a quality that is essential to a life with God. She not only obeyed God’s calling with courage, but she also pondered his faithfulness. I’m sure she reflected often on the events surrounding Jesus’ birth in the difficult days that came after— the escape from Herod’s wrath to Egypt, the rejection of her son in Nazareth, and his eventual arrest and execution.

Many are losing the simple ability to ponder as our lives become filled with the noise of instant digital access to everything, everywhere. The space and discipline to be still, alone, and reflective is an inescapable prerequisite of life with God. We must be able to recall his faithfulness to us in days past to find the faith and courage to follow him in the days still ahead. That means slowing down long enough to identify his blessings and recall his goodness.

Like Mary, our life with God should include regular times of pondering and treasuring. Use your time now to recall his faithfulness to you in the past, or treasure an undeserved blessing he has given you. How do these memories change your perspective on the challenges that await you in the coming new year?