Treasure These Things

In the story of twelve-year-old Jesus in the temple, we encounter Mary's remarkable response to confusion and even her son's precocious behavior: she treasured these things in her heart. Rather than reacting with discipline or dismissal, Mary chose patience and contemplation. As we stand at the threshold of a new year, we're challenged to release the pressure of getting everything right and instead embrace a posture of discovery. Our glory lies not in perfectly meeting every resolution ("new year's" and otherwise), but in aspiring, falling short, and receiving God's grace. This perspective transforms how we approach the coming year—not as a test to pass, but as an experience to savor, one day at a time, treasuring each moment in our hearts.