“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” – Luke 1:46-47
This year, the Good Counsel community has chosen to focus on the value of simplicity. I find this ironic; in over a decade of teaching at this school (and well over 20 years of connection to the XBSS network), simplicity is not what immediately comes to mind when I think of my school and my own life. There is always something happening, something to do, somewhere to be. Simplicity so often seems out of reach and, well… complicated.
And yet.
The simple faith of the women in today’s readings is not busy, complicated, or hard to grasp. It is clear and direct. Hannah dedicates her son, Samuel, to the Lord. Mary, in her abiding “yes” to God the Father, does the same in turn. Both actions flow through praise and thanksgiving.
I’m grateful for this Advent season’s reminder that it really isn’t that complicated. A trusting “yes” to God’s plan. Praise. Thanksgiving.
Lord God, strengthen our hearts that we may say “yes” to You in Your great wisdom. Strengthen our voices that we may lift them in praise to You. Strengthen us, Lord, that we may be ready for Your coming.
Maggie Bykowski Smith