Mary, Call Her Blessed - Shanon Kempt (Luke 1:26-38)

In a time of waiting
we reflect
on what has been
and will be.

Miraculously implanted,
the child gradually grew -
nubs became arms
and legs,
lung sacs and organs -
those mysterious machines -
sprouted and 
began their functions.

All begun with, "Yes."

As Mary submitted to God's invasion,
so we can choose
to begin the orchestration 
of divine growth in us.
How frightening
that decision is!
How revolutionary
to allow Him to overthrown
the current regime
that rules our hearts;
to imagine Him entering
the impoverished shanties
within me,
the scorecard of failures
and belligerence 
prominently displayed...
How can this be?

"The Holy Spirit 
will come upon you..."
O, how the Spirit hovers
over darkly shadowed crevices,
waiting.
Our, "yes" allows the Spirit
to let light in,
light that exposes, yes,
but also brings life
to barrenness,
the seed implanted.

What emptiness lurks
inside me that I have yet
to open to His Spirit?

What sterile soil
has crusted over
that cries out for the delirious
rain of His prodigality?

What incremental growth
has already formed
in me
that I can celebrate -
aware of pressure against spine,
a kicking at the ribs
of my routines,
reminding me of His
miraculous indwelling;
His breath
in my veins.

He chooses me daily,
giving me again and again
the chance to answer,
"Yes, come grow
Jesus in me
so I can be
a blessing."