Taking time to reflect

These are two separate times in Luke 2 where it mentions Mary taking time to 'ponder' or 'treasure' things that had happened. The New Living Translation also says she 'stored' thoughts in her heart. The two verses are reproduced below for reference:

But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

...and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

Luke 2:51

I looked up 'ponder' in the dictionary to see its exact meaning. According to webster's dictionary, to ponder is:

2: to think about : reflect on <pondered the events of the day>
intransitive senses : to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply
synonyms : meditate, muse

I find it interesting that this chapter mentions not just once, but twice that Mary took time to ponder, think, muse, meditate on the events that had recently happened. She carefully and thoughtfully considered what God was doing in her life and the lives of those around her. Once she had thought about what God was doing, she didn't forget it - instead she stored those thoughts for future reference.

It really makes me think: how many times have I taken the time to sit down, shut up, and just quietly think about what events have recently happened in my life? Perhaps if I did this more often, I would see more areas in which I should be growing spiritually. Maybe I would start to see God's love more - simply because I took the time to reflect on all the wonderful things God has done for me.

I need to start meditating more on God's work in my life. I want to be able to honestly say like the psalmist:

I will meditate on all Your work and muse on Your deeds.

Psalm 77:12