Saying “yes” to God each day during Advent
On the morning of Aug. 7, 2011, I snuck out of bed to procure two cups of coffee from the hotel lobby. As I arrived back at the room and fumbled with the key card, I was struck by a thought, “I’m a married man now and this is forever!” Obviously, I had previously considered the ramifications of the vows Cait and I exchanged the day before. But suddenly, the joyful and weighty reality of the previous day stopped me in my tracks.
On the morning of Aug. 7, 2011, I snuck out of bed to procure two cups of coffee from the hotel lobby. As I arrived back at the room and fumbled with the key card, I was struck by a thought, “I’m a married man now and this is forever!” Obviously, I had previously considered the ramifications of the vows Cait and I exchanged the day before. But suddenly, the joyful and weighty reality of the previous day stopped me in my tracks.
Even though I didn’t harbor a single doubt or speck of concern regarding our newly formed marriage, I still needed to say “yes” again. And again. And again. And again. We had stepped into a new mission with each other and the Lord on our wedding day, and the consequences of that decision still flow into each day. On that glorious August day, a path was laid before us and we started down it, but the beginning wasn’t enough. Marital vows require a daily re-commitment to love, protect and serve each other.
Have you ever considered what thoughts must have run through Mary’s head the morning after the Annunciation? Her trusting and glorious assent to God’s unique invitation had set into motion a new salvific mission. Mary’s role in God’s amazing plan for mankind isn’t just about her initial “yes” but also very much about her daily “yes.” Her faithfulness started before Gabriel’s visit and it only deepened after it.
Although Mary’s life was certainly not always easy, she continued each day to faithfully, humbly and joyfully say “yes” to God’s plan. As we move through the Advent season, it’s a perfect time to ask our Blessed Mother to help us trust Jesus – and not just in the big moments, but through the everyday sufferings, challenges, joys and victories.
Our walk with the Lord will take many twists and turns, but the foundation of our lives need not be shaken if we keep looking at him and saying “yes.” You will never regret imitating Mary’s unwavering commitment to cooperating with God’s will. Fourteen years later, I still make Cait coffee every morning, a little daily re-commitment to our marriage. Jesus doesn’t need coffee, but he definitely wants our fidelity.
Pete Burak is the vice president of Renewal Ministries. He has a master’s degree in theology, and is a frequent speaker at events for youth and young adults.
