Mary’s Joy

The week had been long and rough.  I was getting tired and cranky.  My friend and I were scheduled to have a girl’s night out and as I sat  in traffic to meet her I wondered what in the world I was doing.  I had better things to do than sit in traffic…(I told you I was cranky, don’t worry that’s all about to change.)

I’ve gotta tell you, my friend and I like to try adventurous outings and this evening we drove an hour and a half to an outside concert at the Sewee Outpoast called Awendaw Green.  I was relieved when we pulled in because we had made it, we weren’t late, and our food was still warm.  I had taken a moment earlier that day to view the bands playing and was particularly looking forward to hearing the Banditos. Their style to me was not original, but unique.  And one of the members of the band plays a kazoo.  How cool is that?

We walked to the front entrance and were greeted with such kindness.  What a fantastic first impression. Musical instruments hung from the trees that were also draped with Spanish moss, southern music, and charm.  I had just entered into a totally different world.  The world of music. (Just for the record I hadn’t been in this world, not like this, for a long time. I enjoy music immensely and this was beyond exciting to me.)

Chairs were set up in rows and benches speckled the lawn for music lovers to come and watch.  A swing hanging in the tree looked very inviting.  We chose however to sit at a giant spool table to dine on our supper and enjoy the evening that was ahead.

Now granted, we all have our own opinions to the music that we like to listen to and enjoy, but the style of music, the rhythm, that I heard played that night, brought my feet back to tapping.  It brought my heart back to singing.  I was very close to getting up and dancing.

The moment Mary played her kazoo, my whole body just tingled!  Watching her excitement as she sang and performed reminded me of the joy of living.  I had been in the “trenches” all week and this brought back my joy.  I wiped off the “past” and allowed the music to surround me.  Mary’s joy permeated.  You could see it on those who performed alongside her, together they made an incredible team.  I’m so thankful that I had sat in that traffic, I wouldn’t have wanted to miss what was waiting for me here.

And you know what else?  Mary’s joy, reminded me of another Mary’s joy.  Do you know which Mary I am referring too?

The one and only, mother of Jesus.  Upon hearing the news from the angel Gabriel, Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”  The angel departed and so did she, to see Elizabeth.  Upon her arrival Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.  

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”

Luke 1:46-49 

Thank you Mary, for sharing your joy.  You inspire more than you know.

Who or what has inspired you lately?  Do share!