I think often these days of Our Lady’s physical weariness as she journeyed to Bethlehem.  She must have been as large as I, and goodness knows, I often feel very tired.  Not only is my fatigue physical, it is also mental, stemming from the nearly constant stream of activity and interruption that comes with three young children.  Some days, I feel near to panic as I think about another hour without a rest.

Yet, what I am beginning to learn is that Our Lord knows my needs and truly provides for them.  I am coming to understand that, when I feel exhausted and think I can’t do it, yet when I have to do it, that I really can do it; I find that I have the grace to push through and catch a second wind and begin to feel much better.  And, on the days when God knows that I really can’t do it any longer, the day simply opens up, and I suddenly have a two-hour window to rest and read.  It is amazing.  I am learning to trust the circumstances provided by Providence more than I trust my own feelings of need.

This learning to trust Providence is part of my journey with Our Lady to Bethlehem.  Certainly, because she was so totally aligned to the movement of the Holy Spirit, she never had anxiety when she felt weary but must have known that rest would come when she truly needed it.  I am learning the same in this holy season.

Our Lord knows when we most need this