Advent Day 19: Tired

Seth Meyers has this great stand up bit on mansplaining pregnancy to his wife who, at the time, was going into labor and about to give birth.

•

That’s not my goal here.

•

But the bit is hilarious and worth a watch.

•

I just find myself in awe when I think about my wife’s two journeys through delivery.

•

And it’s the only frame of reference I have for contemplating Mary’s experience birthing Jesus.

•

I imagine how tired Mary must have been.

•

Young, betrothed (but unmarried), and traveling on a donkey in her third trimester.

•

Only to end up giving birth in the back of a stable with all of the animals.

•

Emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually exhausting. Undignified.

•

And worth it.

•

Are you tired?

•

Advent is an invitation to rest; to be in awe of the gift of life—the life of a baby—the life of a mother— and your own life too.

•

May you come to the end of your toil, just as Mary did, and see that it was for something greater than yourself. And may you find, as Mary did that night, even if just for a moment, rest to help you along the way.