I Know It’s Today - Shrek
Luke 1: 39-45
In the time of Elizabeth and Zechariah, it was believed that if you did not bear children it is because you did not have favor with God. You had done something in your life that caused this. That is why Luke is very specific when introducing Elizabeth and Zechariah when he says they are blameless in the sight of God. She had wanted children her entire life and each month would find out that was not going to happen. As she got older, I am sure she began to think it never would. But instead of defying God, or getting bitter and angry - she continued to be blameless in the eyes of her Lord.
Once Zechariah returned from the temple, and she understood what he somehow told her, she stayed secluded for five months. So no one knew about the baby except for Zechariah and Elizabeth for those five months. No neighbors, other family, friends to talk with about this, to share news with, plan etc. Finally, Elizabeth’s cousin Mary comes to visit her. When Mary came in and spoke, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leapt. Elizabeth’s reaction was to say:
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
So Elizabeth’s reaction is one of not just joy for yourself, but for Mary as well. I think we can only hope that we can react in a similar manner to situations like this.
I love Shrek the musical. As we all know, she was put in a tower at six years old to wait for her prince to come. I Know It’s Today is one of my favorite songs from the show as it comically describes what it was like in the tower for all the years WAITING. I think we can learn from the waiting of Elizabeth and Fiona. At the end of the song the three Fiona’s sing:
Are you there God?
It’s me Fiona…
It’s me Fiona!
Now I know, he’ll appear
Remember that God has not forgotten you. Since I am not a patient person, I will spare you how horribly I wait for things. I need to learn from Elizabeth and Fiona. Do it with the attitude that I know it’s today, not anger or bitterness. And remember we are not forgotten.
Reflection Notes:
What significant thing have you waited for or are waiting for? What was your attitude while waiting?
What did you learn while you were waiting?
When something really good has happened to you or someone you know - how did you or they react? What can we learn from Elizabeth?
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