Annunciation

 Feast of the Annunciation today.  I didn't go to Mass, but already it felt like a better and more uplifting day than yesterday. This warm, spring weather and blossoming air really uplifts the spirit after the winter chill and rain. 

Today, I was thinking about Our Lady, who said yes to God's plan of her carrying in her womb the Savior of the world and becoming a mother to Him. I thought about her questioning, her willingness to do God's will and her joy in becoming pregnant with her own Lord and Savior.

 When I felt the sunshine on my face, and the tree blossoms, and a tree in the morning sunlight today, I thought also of the contrast with this beauty- Satan's interruption and hate for it. Since he already interrupted it once with Adam and Eve, this was God's divine plan and intervention. 

I thought of this contrast with the evil one, since a movie I've seen a couple of years ago titled, 'Mary of Nazareth' depicts Mary peacefully and joyfully in nature looking up at a tree, and around the corner of the tree is the snake lurking, not too soon before the angel Gabriel appears to her when she is back at her house.  I love the way Mary is so peaceful and content and is so willing and happy to say 'yes' to God's plan., even if she doesn't fully understand it. 

I feel this has already been a 'year of Mary' for me with daily rosaries, listening to rosary in a year, listening to Immaculee speak and share about her love for Mary and the rosary, purchasing and wearing Marian inspired jewelry created by my dear sister, consecration to Our Lady of Lourdes again this year. 

I only want to keep up devotion to Our Lady and emulate her love, joy, peace and trust in God's plan.