It started out as any other day…..

I remember the sun was shining

and I could hear the birds chirping their morning praises to God.

I was well into my usual daily activities

            when out of nowhere a stranger appeared!

“Hail, full of grace!  The Lord is with you,” he said.

            Still stunned by the sudden appearance, I wondered

                        what kind of greeting is this?

Then I heard,

            “Do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God.”

Afraid?  Favor with God? 

            This is not how my day usually goes

                        and I’m not sure I want what’s going on… or do I?

The stranger went on to explain that my life would be changing

            because the Holy Spirit would come upon me.

In case I needed any reassurance,

            I’m told that my cousin’s life would be changing too

                        in a way no one thought possible.

Initially it was all too much to take in

            my head was spinning, my heart racing with anxiety.

Then I heard,

            “Nothing is impossible for God”

                           and a sudden calming,

unlike anything I had ever experienced

eased within me.

Without thinking, without hesitation I said,

            “Yes!  As God’s beloved one, I am willing

                           to open myself

                                        to God’s wonderful design for me.”

As suddenly as the stranger had appeared,

            he left

                           and I was left to ponder

                                        all that had happened

                                        and all that was to come.

The day finished as had no other….