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Merry Christmas from the Tigert's

12/19/2017

Susan Tigert

If we consider just who Mary was in the Bible, we quickly understand that she was a simple young girl who loved God. There was no fame involved, no substantial wealth or status. Mary was a girl who answered the calling of the Lord. There were no complaints; there were no rebellious thoughts; there were no insertions of her own plans or ideas of how this journey should be completed. She simply replied, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

How many times does God provide a call for us, and how do we respond? Are we humbled that we found favor with God so that He would choose us to do His will, or do we find excuses or say the timing is not right? Do we underestimate ourselves and say what God is asking is just too much? Do we question God’s plan and say He must have the wrong person? I think throughout our lives these questions have been a part of our responses to God’s calling. The world’s influence can be strong in our lives if we let it, and then we begin to shape and mold our responses to God’s calling and plans according to how the world would respond. But what if we choose on a daily basis to respond the way Mary did? What if we say to the Lord - let it be according to your word?

This semester has been a challenging one for our family. In September, my husband was diagnosed with bladder cancer, and this has been a hard journey for all of us. But we have decided to answer God’s plan with a thankful heart. We have decided that God is in control and have asked for him to use this trial in our lives for His good and His glory. God has bestowed so many blessings on our lives, and as we sit around the Christmas table this year with everyone present, we will view things differently. This Christmas will be a time of rejoicing for life and family - such a precious gift - and not the focus of material things. This Christmas will be time to renew our faith in God’s plan and calling for our lives, whether we understand the path or not.

As all of my students and their families enter into this Christmas season and break, my prayer is that you all experience the same. You take time to cherish the family time and the memories. Our time is so short here on earth, so as a present to one another this year, give the gift of love and laughter. Forgive those who need forgiving. Treasure the small moments. Be still so you are in place to hear God’s calling in your life. Will we be like Mary who has found favor with God to fulfill His plan?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Tigert Family

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