blueprints.

What if Mary wrote the Gospel of Luke, in the year 2011?

Someone needs to wake me up, because I have an unshakable confidence that this is a dream.  We just finished packing and I managed to secure a few moments for myself.  Joe is outside, checking to be sure that we have everything in order.  I attempted one last shot at reserving a hotel room in Boston this morning.  Fail.  The timing of this business trip isn't ideal, but we're doing our best to stay positive and trust that everything is going to work out in the end. Joe has been so patient and I can honestly say that I am honored to spend the rest of my life with this man.  Together, we plan write a fantastic story, filled with love and adventure.  He is truly a gift from God.

When I say that Joe is gift, I'm not exaggerating.  Growing up, I learned what it means to be a woman in this day and age.  Now, I'm no Julia Childs, but I know my way around a kitchen!  Sewing on the other hand?  Well, let's not waste time by focusing on some of my lesser developed talents.  My mom has the wife gig down.  I thought that if I paid close enough attention, I would follow in her footsteps and spend my days on earth as a caring mother to my kiddos alongside an incredible husband.  Each day would be accompanied by endless sunshine.  When the storms would come, a rainbow would surely follow.  Recently, I discovered that Joe was the first stroke of brilliance in this masterpiece.  My friends would be the first to admit, I'm not one to keep step with the status quo.  (I may never shake the name Moonstruck Mary.)  By some miracle, he understands me.  Over the last few weeks, I have been overwhelmed by peace as our bond of trust stands trial.  I can tell him absolutely anything and know my words are safe with him.  There is no doubt in my mind that God planned it to be this way.  Anyone else would have thought I was beyond crazy. Well, except maybe Liz.

My cousin Liz has wanted a baby for years.  After countless visits to fertility specialists, the doctors agreed that they would never have children of her own.  This was devastating to her logic, but her faith was immovable.  Over the last few years, Liz and I have done our best to carve out time in our schedules to catch up on life.  When she walked into the coffee shop a few months back, she was radiating with joy.  The Lord answered a prayer that many believed had been offered up in vain.  She is pregnant!!!  Everyone knows that mum's the word with regard to our current situation, so Joe and I plan to make a quick stop at her place to deliver the news.  She is going to be speechless.

  The decision to serve God has been a lesson in selflessness; a determination to be used for His glory.  My prayer is that He would have control and mold me into a vessel, to bless those around me.  Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am a dreamer, but I also find solace in having a plan.  No one told me it would look like this.  This isn't what I signed up for.  At least, I didn't think so.

The story of the nativity, with the angelic chorus flooding the night sky and the quest of the shepherds to visit a baby sleeping in a manger may feel like it is frozen in time, only to be remembered as the miracle of Christmas.  While another virgin birth is not on the horizon, Mary's plight is often experienced by those who are willing to hand over the reigns of their life.  From a young age, we play "House," taking turns with our friends to decide who will be the bride, the mommy, the doctor and the teacher.  The day we graduate from high school, the rest of the blueprint seems remarkably clear:

1) Go to college.
2) Meet the guy.
3) Graduate from college.
4) Marry the guy.
5) Buy a house with just enough room to entertain company.
6) Give birth to baby #1 before turning 25 (besides, the name's been chosen for nearly ten years now!).

Six steps. Done and done.  Until. . . Reality hits.  College takes six years.  Mr. Right?  Nowhere in sight.  New Zealand is a LONG way from American soil.  Kids take on the form of a classroom full of middle schoolers.  Where is God in all of this?  In every moment.  This may not seem like the life we signed up for when we said "have all of me," but His plan is better than we could ever ask or imagine.  Welcome to the great adventure.