I love talking with my grandchildren, which is why I was on the phone with Gabe earlier this summer, even though he was camping up at Suttle Lake. I knew the day had been warm and his mommy and daddy were planning on taking him and his little brother swimming at nearby Scout Lake, so I thought I would check in to see how it went.
Our conversation went something like this:
“Hi Gabe, did you go to the lake with your mommy and daddy today?”
“Yes, gramma”.
“Did you have fun swimming in the lake, Gabe?”
“No, gramma.”
“Didn’t you like swimming with your Daddy?”
“No gramma, ‘cuz if you want to swim, YOU HAVE TO GET ALL WET!”
To which I had no reply. But later I thought about that little conversation. You have to know, Gabe LIKES water. He likes to take a bath, he loves to run through the sprinklers and he even enjoys swimming in our community pool. Then it struck me, those are all very safe, controlled environments where he can see the bottom or control the flow. Swimming in a lake could, indeed, be quite frightening. You don’t know what lurks beneath and beyond and there is always a chance you will go to far from the safety of the shore.
How often through my life have I cried out to the Lord, “I want to know you more.” But I want it on my terms, in the safety of what I can see and control. He calls out as he did to Peter that day in the storm, “Come”. But I am afraid, knowing that I, like Peter, may sink into the depths. And so I content myself to wade along the shore, longing for more but afraid of the “what ifs?” I know my Father is there, I know he has promised to care for me, yet still I hold back, knowing that to swim, I will have to “get all wet”.
Peter understood this well, which is why he was brutally honest with Jesus that day on the shore of Galilee. He knew his own heart; he knew his failings and his fears. Gone was the bluster and blow of just a few weeks prior. Read the story in John. After the resurrection, Jesus comes again to some of his disciples. They are out in a boat, fishing, something they know well and find a comfortable familiarity in, even though they fished all night and caught absolutely nothing! In the morning, they saw a man standing on the shore. He called out to them asking if they had any fish. Unlike many a fisherman, they chose to answer honestly. “No”, was the curt reply.
Then came the exhortation, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” I suspect it was at that time they began to wonder just WHO the man was that was giving them instructions. The words must have seemed vaguely familiar, but it was not until they followed the command and landed a haul of fish larger than they were able to handle, that Peter realized, “It is the Lord!”
Jumping out of the boat Peter heads to shore, for, as the scripture records, “They were not far from land.” Safe territory, Peter could handle this.
After a breakfast of fish, prepared by Jesus himself, Peter found himself alone with the Lord. Then came the question, not once but three times. “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
I hear that question a lot, of late. "Robyn, do you love me?” Like Peter, I find myself hedging, for I know what my response will cost. “If you love me” Jesus says, “you will keep my commandments.”
What is he asking of me? That I take up His cross, that I give up control of my life, that I launch out into waters where I do not know what lies below and beyond. And always, always, there is the danger that I will be so far from the safety of shore I will have to rely totally upon Him.
Jesus knows my heart and yet he keeps asking, that I might know my heart. Finally I, like Peter, respond, “Yes, Jesus, I love you.” His response is simple and sincere, “Follow me.”
Though I love the safety of the shore, I yearn to know Him more. And so, I follow.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Life with Laura
When Laura was born, a good friend told us of a proverb she learned from her mother who was of Chilean descent, “Every baby is born with a basket of bread in their arms”. How we needed that encouragement, as our youngest entered our family in a season of upheaval and change. Indeed it was true, the years following her birth saw an increase in our family’s “bread”, but more importantly, Laura has brought to us joy beyond measure, brightening our lives for this past twenty-one years. And now, she is getting married!
As one might imagine, life in our home has been busy as we prepare for this, our second wedding in the family in six months. The result? Blog postings have been few and far between as time has been given to the flurry of wedding planning. But as we enter the two-week countdown to her marriage, I thought it would be fun to share this newsletter column I wrote sixteen years ago, a small window into life with Laura!
It really wasn’t a long trip as one might measure distance, just another busy day in the Anderson house. We were on our way home from kindergarten, chatting about the day’s events when the light ahead turned red. It wasn’t that we were in a hurry to go anywhere, but my impatient five year old quickly surveyed the situation and seeing no other cars at the intersection instructed, “Mom, just run the red light!”
Patiently I explained that the light was, in fact, red and I would have to wait for it to turn green before proceeding. Still not understanding the logic of this delay, Laura persisted, “But Mom, there aren’t any policemen near-by to see you.”
Trying to give her a proper perspective, I responded, “But Laura, God would see me disobey and run the light.”
To which she indignantly replied, “Right, and I’m sure God is going to come down here and give you a ticket!”
As mature adults we may not verbalize our feelings in such an honest manner, yet our actions display the true degree of integrity in our lives. The clerk at the store under-charges us for an item and we walk away, pleased that we came out ahead this time. The amusement park charges for children over age twelve, so of course our kids are forever eleven. Our child’s room mother needs a volunteer for just a few hours, but we know without a doubt we already have something scheduled for that exact time.
And so we quiet the voice of the Holy Spirit who tells us we have been less than true to ourselves and to our God, rationalizing that no one will ever know what has occurred. So often we measure the rightness of our deeds by the reaction of those around us, rather than seeking to know how our heavenly Father would have us to respond.
Integrity, being above reproach in all that we do, not because someone might see and criticize our actions, but because the God we claim to love and serves demands nothing less. “You shall be Holy unto me, for I am Holy” declares the Lord. May we be those who follow wholly after Him.
Forever our "baby", congratulations on your upcoming marriage to Ryan! Can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for the two of you.
As one might imagine, life in our home has been busy as we prepare for this, our second wedding in the family in six months. The result? Blog postings have been few and far between as time has been given to the flurry of wedding planning. But as we enter the two-week countdown to her marriage, I thought it would be fun to share this newsletter column I wrote sixteen years ago, a small window into life with Laura!
It really wasn’t a long trip as one might measure distance, just another busy day in the Anderson house. We were on our way home from kindergarten, chatting about the day’s events when the light ahead turned red. It wasn’t that we were in a hurry to go anywhere, but my impatient five year old quickly surveyed the situation and seeing no other cars at the intersection instructed, “Mom, just run the red light!”
Patiently I explained that the light was, in fact, red and I would have to wait for it to turn green before proceeding. Still not understanding the logic of this delay, Laura persisted, “But Mom, there aren’t any policemen near-by to see you.”
Trying to give her a proper perspective, I responded, “But Laura, God would see me disobey and run the light.”
To which she indignantly replied, “Right, and I’m sure God is going to come down here and give you a ticket!”
As mature adults we may not verbalize our feelings in such an honest manner, yet our actions display the true degree of integrity in our lives. The clerk at the store under-charges us for an item and we walk away, pleased that we came out ahead this time. The amusement park charges for children over age twelve, so of course our kids are forever eleven. Our child’s room mother needs a volunteer for just a few hours, but we know without a doubt we already have something scheduled for that exact time.
And so we quiet the voice of the Holy Spirit who tells us we have been less than true to ourselves and to our God, rationalizing that no one will ever know what has occurred. So often we measure the rightness of our deeds by the reaction of those around us, rather than seeking to know how our heavenly Father would have us to respond.
Integrity, being above reproach in all that we do, not because someone might see and criticize our actions, but because the God we claim to love and serves demands nothing less. “You shall be Holy unto me, for I am Holy” declares the Lord. May we be those who follow wholly after Him.
Forever our "baby", congratulations on your upcoming marriage to Ryan! Can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for the two of you.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The Beauty of His Creation
Coming from a world still slumbering in winter, I could not help but marvel time and time again at the spectacular array of color that greeted us on our trip to Jacksonville a couple weeks ago. Flowering plums, dressed in their dazzling display of pink provided the backdrop for the golden forsythia that had just burst upon the scene with all the brilliance of the midday sun. As if on cue from the Master Director, the purple and white carpet of crocuses yielded to the dancing daffodils as the smiling faces of pretty pansies smiled in appreciation.What a wonderful God we serve, who has chosen to fill our lives with so much color and beauty. Trees that lie dormant and barren all winter long are called upon to brighten our world each spring, each in their own season as God has directed. Making their display even more dramatic is the backdrop provided by the towering evergreens, so often overlooked in the kaleidoscope of spring, yet it is these which remain constant, through the searing heat of summer and the deep snows of winter.
In His love, God has given us the capacity to appreciate His creation, in all of its splendor and majesty. In His wisdom, God has chosen to adorn with great diversity His most precious creation, His people. Each child of God, created in His image, has a special beauty and purpose which has been given to enhance the lives of those around them. Some have gifts and talents which burst forth in such spectacular fashion, the world cannot help but take notice. Others, like the evergreen, are steady and strong through all the seasons of life, but often slip through life unnoticed and ignored.
Just as we appreciate the splendid array God gives us through the scenes of nature, may we also remember to cherish the differences found in His people. Although it may be hard to understand, God often chooses to place the fragile splendor of a rose in the midst of the sharpest thorns. May we remember seek to find the beauty of our Lord in those around us and in so doing, find our own hearts enriched by the fragrance of their lives.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Sharing our Joy
Life has settled back into what we call normal here at the Anderson house. For those of you who have wondered at the lack of blog postings this past month, it has been a wonderfully, joyous, busy time as we celebrated the wedding of our son, Brett, to his beautiful new bride, Jessica.
While it has been exciting, it also has not allowed for a lot of free time to write. I hope to have a new posting up today or tomorrow, but for now, you can share a glimpse into our joy through a few photos of the blessed event.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Blessed in the Eyes of the Lord
It was not where I had planned for our study in John chapter 9 to go this past Thursday. My intent was to focus on the parallels of the man who “once was blind but now could see”. Somehow we stalled on the first couple of versus, camping on the question the disciples asked, “Who sinned, this man or his parents?” From there it was but a short leap to the topic of sickness and death, not a very uplifting way to begin a new year.
Chalk it up to being past the half-century mark in age, but whatever the reason it is a topic that has been the focal point in a number of conversations I have had of late. To be honest, I have found myself struggling with the sadness I see around me as the reality of the shortness of life here on earth takes it’s toll on friends I count quite dear. In the midst of my struggles, the Lord reminded me of something I wrote a number of years ago, shortly after the death of my beloved mother-in law. God’s truths remain and just as the re-reading of this short exhortation encouraged my own heart, I pray it will do the same for you.
June 1992
Bursting with promise, June announces its arrival, heralding the season of summer which we so longed for during the dreary days of winter. Yet even as I anticipate it’s coming, my heart is drawn back to the days of another June one year past, as I stood at the hospital room bedside of my beloved mother-in-law, knowing each breath drawn brought her one step closer to her Lord and another further away from those of us who did not wish to let her go.
“Blessed in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints”, writes the psalmist, but I could find no blessing in such a painful parting. Even as the last hymn was sung and the final flowers placed on her grave, I struggled with those words, knowing the emptiness I would feel in the days to come. Gone were the words of encouragement, the thoughtful deeds, the midnight prayers, the unconditional love that had sustained me through some difficult years. She had left us and life would never be the same.
We struggle so with change, with transitions, with saying good-bye to that which we hold so dear. We read the scriptures admonishing us to die continually to our old way of living if we would choose to walk anew with Christ; and though in our hearts we know it to be true, our very being resists relinquishing control, fearful of letting go of that which we know for that which we can only being to catch a glimpse. Yet, as we yield our way, as each breath we take draws us closer to surrendering all that we are...every right that we claim… to the One who wishes to bear all our burdens, what was once a fleeting hope becomes a wonderful reality. Each day we walk with Christ as our sole source of strength, we discover a peace and joy unsurpassed in our fondest dreams.
As we lay aside our own willful desires and aspirations, as we die to our own strategies and thoughts, we are ushered into a realm of living guided by His Holy Spirit. As we surrender our all to Him, He comes and dwells in our midst, offering His comfort and hope, His strength and encouragement, His unconditional love. What blessing will be ours when one day we cross death’s eternal threshold, laying aside all that we have clung to so tightly here upon this earth. In just a moment, we will enter in to His glorious presence, there to dwell forever with the One we have loved so long.
And so, with the psalmist we can say, “Blessed in your eyes oh Lord is the death, the homecoming, of those you love so well.”
Chalk it up to being past the half-century mark in age, but whatever the reason it is a topic that has been the focal point in a number of conversations I have had of late. To be honest, I have found myself struggling with the sadness I see around me as the reality of the shortness of life here on earth takes it’s toll on friends I count quite dear. In the midst of my struggles, the Lord reminded me of something I wrote a number of years ago, shortly after the death of my beloved mother-in law. God’s truths remain and just as the re-reading of this short exhortation encouraged my own heart, I pray it will do the same for you.
June 1992
Bursting with promise, June announces its arrival, heralding the season of summer which we so longed for during the dreary days of winter. Yet even as I anticipate it’s coming, my heart is drawn back to the days of another June one year past, as I stood at the hospital room bedside of my beloved mother-in-law, knowing each breath drawn brought her one step closer to her Lord and another further away from those of us who did not wish to let her go.
“Blessed in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints”, writes the psalmist, but I could find no blessing in such a painful parting. Even as the last hymn was sung and the final flowers placed on her grave, I struggled with those words, knowing the emptiness I would feel in the days to come. Gone were the words of encouragement, the thoughtful deeds, the midnight prayers, the unconditional love that had sustained me through some difficult years. She had left us and life would never be the same.
We struggle so with change, with transitions, with saying good-bye to that which we hold so dear. We read the scriptures admonishing us to die continually to our old way of living if we would choose to walk anew with Christ; and though in our hearts we know it to be true, our very being resists relinquishing control, fearful of letting go of that which we know for that which we can only being to catch a glimpse. Yet, as we yield our way, as each breath we take draws us closer to surrendering all that we are...every right that we claim… to the One who wishes to bear all our burdens, what was once a fleeting hope becomes a wonderful reality. Each day we walk with Christ as our sole source of strength, we discover a peace and joy unsurpassed in our fondest dreams.
As we lay aside our own willful desires and aspirations, as we die to our own strategies and thoughts, we are ushered into a realm of living guided by His Holy Spirit. As we surrender our all to Him, He comes and dwells in our midst, offering His comfort and hope, His strength and encouragement, His unconditional love. What blessing will be ours when one day we cross death’s eternal threshold, laying aside all that we have clung to so tightly here upon this earth. In just a moment, we will enter in to His glorious presence, there to dwell forever with the One we have loved so long.
And so, with the psalmist we can say, “Blessed in your eyes oh Lord is the death, the homecoming, of those you love so well.”
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
A Double Portion
The spicy aroma greeted him as he burst through the door. Eager to find its source, he hurriedly dismissed his books and papers, leaving them to be scattered about the entryway as he rushed into the kitchen. What delectable treat would he find today…strawberry cupcakes or maybe even chocolate chip cookies? Oh the anticipation! Squealing with delight, he could not contain his joy when there on the counter he saw, not one, but two little men fashioned from dough, smelling of ginger and dressed for the holidays in icing of green and red.
Impatiently he watched his mother wrap the fragile figures, careful not to injure a tiny arm or leg. Already the thought had come; it would never do to enjoy such a treat alone, he must find someone to share in his good fortune! Gently he placed the treasure in his pocket, savoring the moment he would taste of its sweetness.
Late afternoon sunlight was still attempting to warm the frozen landscape as he scampered back outdoors. Passing the neighborhood playground, he hesitated a moment, scanning the crowd. Yes, there was some who looked familiar, but none worthy to share in his great wealth. With quickening steps he walked and soon arrived at his destination, the now deserted schoolyard. It was here his friends would always meet, here they would shout and laugh as they engaged one another in a game of basketball or a race around the building. It was here they had shared so many wonderful moments together. But today it was quiet, no sound of footsteps echoed in the empty corridors as he sat waiting on the slide.
The last rays of sunlight danced across the empty swings and jungle gym, no longer could he remain idle. Caught up in the imagination of the young, he spent the waning minutes of the day as a conquering hero in some far off land, scaling castle walls as he fought off fire breathing dragons. It was only when darkness brought with it an urgency to start for home that he remembered the quest that brought him there to the playground. Now he must hurry home, his mother would be watching for him.
Across the field he ran, jumping the irrigation canal, scooting under the hedge, quickly hopping the neighbor’s fence until at last he came upon the street that led to his home. Pausing to catch his breath, he was hit with a keen sense of disappointment; his mission had failed, he had found no one to share in the wonderful treasure still tucked away in his coat. Still, tomorrow was another day, and with renewed enthusiasm he stopped to unwrap the small parcel, to gaze once again at his precious gingerbread boys, only to discover where once two faces full of promise had smiled back in return, all that remained were crumbled pieces of a gift that would never be shared.
If you look closely, you may find an area of your life where God has blessed you with a double portion. Too many times we safely tuck away that which we consider to be ours, intending to share it someday, even as we become entangled in a world that consumes our every thought and action. It may be your time, your talents or your resources, but the day will come when you arrive home and your Father will ask how you have shared that which He so freely gave. Oh that we may hear His words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
Impatiently he watched his mother wrap the fragile figures, careful not to injure a tiny arm or leg. Already the thought had come; it would never do to enjoy such a treat alone, he must find someone to share in his good fortune! Gently he placed the treasure in his pocket, savoring the moment he would taste of its sweetness.
Late afternoon sunlight was still attempting to warm the frozen landscape as he scampered back outdoors. Passing the neighborhood playground, he hesitated a moment, scanning the crowd. Yes, there was some who looked familiar, but none worthy to share in his great wealth. With quickening steps he walked and soon arrived at his destination, the now deserted schoolyard. It was here his friends would always meet, here they would shout and laugh as they engaged one another in a game of basketball or a race around the building. It was here they had shared so many wonderful moments together. But today it was quiet, no sound of footsteps echoed in the empty corridors as he sat waiting on the slide.
The last rays of sunlight danced across the empty swings and jungle gym, no longer could he remain idle. Caught up in the imagination of the young, he spent the waning minutes of the day as a conquering hero in some far off land, scaling castle walls as he fought off fire breathing dragons. It was only when darkness brought with it an urgency to start for home that he remembered the quest that brought him there to the playground. Now he must hurry home, his mother would be watching for him.
Across the field he ran, jumping the irrigation canal, scooting under the hedge, quickly hopping the neighbor’s fence until at last he came upon the street that led to his home. Pausing to catch his breath, he was hit with a keen sense of disappointment; his mission had failed, he had found no one to share in the wonderful treasure still tucked away in his coat. Still, tomorrow was another day, and with renewed enthusiasm he stopped to unwrap the small parcel, to gaze once again at his precious gingerbread boys, only to discover where once two faces full of promise had smiled back in return, all that remained were crumbled pieces of a gift that would never be shared.
If you look closely, you may find an area of your life where God has blessed you with a double portion. Too many times we safely tuck away that which we consider to be ours, intending to share it someday, even as we become entangled in a world that consumes our every thought and action. It may be your time, your talents or your resources, but the day will come when you arrive home and your Father will ask how you have shared that which He so freely gave. Oh that we may hear His words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Fear Not
The announcement was made, the details explained and without hesitation, the young woman responded with a courage that causes me to pause and marvel, “Be it done unto me according to Thy word.” With those few, simple words , Mary humbly accepted all that God had promised to fulfill in and through her as she would be the chosen vessel to bear the King of King and Lord of Lords.
I have often wondered when, and if, the first wave of fear and panic filled her heart. Did she cling to the words the angel had spoken, “Fear not, for thou has found favor with God”, even as her thoughts raced with the implications of what she now must do. Was it with excitement or hesitation she sought out her beloved Joseph, eager yet so hesitant to tell him of all that had transpired. How exactly does one explain that which is inexplicable, all the while knowing it has been given from the very hand of God.
Such questions I can only ponder, but this I do know. Joseph was told and then, with haste, Mary did what any woman would be wise to consider; she gave God room to work in the life of the one she held so dear. Leaving her little village of Nazareth, Mary arose and travelled to Juda, a journey of several days, to be with her cousin Elizabeth. There she would spend the next three months without email, without phones, without ever contacting Joseph, all the while wondering, what did the future hold?
Such patience seems archaic in our instant society. We want decisions and we want them now. We want information and communication that we might have some indication of what is taking place. Oh that we might learn from the example of this handmaiden of the Lord. What God has promised, God WILL perform.
Patiently Mary waited, not prodding or pouting, but rather praying to the One who alone could bring Godly wisdom and understanding to the heart and mind of her beloved Joseph. Hear her words as she reflects upon the One who has seemingly turned her world upside down, “My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.”
Patient and praying, she proceeded to put her hands to the task at hand, that of practically helping her cousin Elizabeth, who, in her VERY old age, was heavy with child. For three long months Mary remained, tending to the needs of Elizabeth, helping with the housework and the cooking, lifting the load that Zacharias might otherwise have had to bear. Once THEIR promised child, John, was born, Mary knew, it was time….time to go home and learn what decision Joseph had made.
Joseph, surely such a Godly man must have agonized over his choices, petitioning the Lord for an answer to the seemingly unanswerable question, “What should I do?”
The law said she should be stoned, he had the right to demand it, but his love would not allow it. He could quietly divorce her, but that would cause her to bear the brunt of shame and disgrace that would surely be heaped upon her. Or he could marry her, knowing full well the whispers that would follow, the scorn that would be heaped upon them, even, perhaps, by their own family and closest friends.
Like Jacob of old he must have wrestled.....and then it happened. Perhaps even as Mary was slipping back into the village under the cover of night, perhaps it was at that very moment that the angel appeared unto Joseph with the answer, not only for Joseph but for all humanity, “Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and THOU SHALT CALL HIS NAME JESUS: FOR HE SHALL SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS.”
And then Joseph did that which every wise man would find it well to do, he obeyed the Lord. As the dawn broke he rushed to take Mary as his wife; cherishing until the day he died the one who had patiently waited and prayed for him, trusting that God does all things well.
I have often wondered when, and if, the first wave of fear and panic filled her heart. Did she cling to the words the angel had spoken, “Fear not, for thou has found favor with God”, even as her thoughts raced with the implications of what she now must do. Was it with excitement or hesitation she sought out her beloved Joseph, eager yet so hesitant to tell him of all that had transpired. How exactly does one explain that which is inexplicable, all the while knowing it has been given from the very hand of God.
Such questions I can only ponder, but this I do know. Joseph was told and then, with haste, Mary did what any woman would be wise to consider; she gave God room to work in the life of the one she held so dear. Leaving her little village of Nazareth, Mary arose and travelled to Juda, a journey of several days, to be with her cousin Elizabeth. There she would spend the next three months without email, without phones, without ever contacting Joseph, all the while wondering, what did the future hold?
Such patience seems archaic in our instant society. We want decisions and we want them now. We want information and communication that we might have some indication of what is taking place. Oh that we might learn from the example of this handmaiden of the Lord. What God has promised, God WILL perform.
Patiently Mary waited, not prodding or pouting, but rather praying to the One who alone could bring Godly wisdom and understanding to the heart and mind of her beloved Joseph. Hear her words as she reflects upon the One who has seemingly turned her world upside down, “My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.”
Patient and praying, she proceeded to put her hands to the task at hand, that of practically helping her cousin Elizabeth, who, in her VERY old age, was heavy with child. For three long months Mary remained, tending to the needs of Elizabeth, helping with the housework and the cooking, lifting the load that Zacharias might otherwise have had to bear. Once THEIR promised child, John, was born, Mary knew, it was time….time to go home and learn what decision Joseph had made.
Joseph, surely such a Godly man must have agonized over his choices, petitioning the Lord for an answer to the seemingly unanswerable question, “What should I do?”
The law said she should be stoned, he had the right to demand it, but his love would not allow it. He could quietly divorce her, but that would cause her to bear the brunt of shame and disgrace that would surely be heaped upon her. Or he could marry her, knowing full well the whispers that would follow, the scorn that would be heaped upon them, even, perhaps, by their own family and closest friends.
Like Jacob of old he must have wrestled.....and then it happened. Perhaps even as Mary was slipping back into the village under the cover of night, perhaps it was at that very moment that the angel appeared unto Joseph with the answer, not only for Joseph but for all humanity, “Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and THOU SHALT CALL HIS NAME JESUS: FOR HE SHALL SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS.”
And then Joseph did that which every wise man would find it well to do, he obeyed the Lord. As the dawn broke he rushed to take Mary as his wife; cherishing until the day he died the one who had patiently waited and prayed for him, trusting that God does all things well.
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