John 2:4-5 Jesus said, “Is that any of our business, Mother – yours or mine? This isn’t my time. Don’t push me.” She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, “Whatever he tells you, do it.”

Jesus’ obedience to His mom is so beautiful. She knew without a doubt that He would help her, but this morning when I was reading this, my mind settled on how she forced the issue. 

As a mom, I find this to be a very tough dance. When to push an issue, when to not… like the song, “You gotta know when to hold ‘em. Know when to fold ‘em. Know when to walk away, and know when to run.” (-Kenny Rogers). I was in a bible study once and an older parent brought up that they too may be pushy if their 30 year old child still lived at home. It made me laugh, but Mary was human. I have also heard that Mary simply had faith that Jesus answered prayers. Personally, I don’t know that it is for me to know what Mary was thinking, but I can’t help but acknowledge the wake that we all leave with the choices we make and sometimes force… the consequences that affect those riding/living this life with us. It’s a humbling reality. Would Mary have forced the issue if she knew that this miracle pointed Jesus straight to the cross? If she knew, would she have tried to protect Him from the cross? As the humility of how little we know soaks in, I am comforted that God’s plans are God’s plans… Jesus was headed to the cross. In reading scripture, I can’t doubt for one moment Mary’s love for either God or her Son. And as we carry that same love for Creator and Son, we can rest in the humility that we don’t know most things, and the truth we do know is but a sprinkle of the infinite Good, giving us reassurance as we let go of control.

Lord, may our wakes glorify You. If and when we overturn someone else’s boat, let the suffering caused from the wreck draw all involved deeper into relationship with You… and nearer to Life. Amen.