pondering....the Hail Mary beads

The Hail Mary beads are very close in color to the outside packaging. They are also a soft blue, although they are separated by a small silver bead instead of a white bead.  These two colors are reminiscent of a quiet walk on a winter afternoon.   The sky may be a blue quite close to the blue of the beads, and the shadows under the trees and shrubs are close to this gentle silver. 

Or perhaps the beads remind you more of grey skies with a gentle, fresh breeze, the kind of chilly, yet refreshing, breeze that only comes in winter.  

Whatever nature is like around you though, let these beads remind you of Mary's presence.  Like the soft sky or gentle breeze, she walks with each of us who call upon her. Imagine her life for a moment, as she rested in the stable, gazing upon her Son and her Lord.  

The story of Mary's little family was just beginning. Their road ahead was unknown and unsure.  Neither Mary nor Joseph knew what would happen next, and they were not a couple of immense means.  They had to depend on God, their family and friends as well as the the little they could do with their own hands in order to survive.  They would shortly have to leave even their family and friends behind and flee to Egypt to escape King Herod. 

As we start a new year, it is natural to want to look ahead and wonder what the year will bring.  Will we be okay?  How will we find ourselves at the close of this year?  This questions can cause feelings of anxiety, even fear.  So, lets look at the Hail Mary beads of the Winter Symbols rosary and remind ourselves that we will not journey through this year alone. Our Mother walks with us, and she will guide, protect us and ultimately lead us to her Son.

Ponder: As we begin a new year, what thoughts do you have?  Are you feeling confident or fearful?  If you have a journal, write these thoughts down. Then, hold the rosary close and imagine the blue and silver beads reflect the peace and tranquility of Mary's heart. Close your eyes and imagine the peaceful scene of the stable. The Holy Family had challenges during their life, but God was with them. Have faith that God, through the intercession of Mary, will be with you and your family, too. 

Recall the names of those who are precious to you, the names that you pondered before opening the box.  Ask Mary to protect each of them this year. Walk together through 2021. ​

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