05/13/2026
One of the Longest Benedictions
I Ran Out of Time to Share
Maybe you know the story of how Joseph and Mary accidentally left Jesus at the gas station on their way home from Jerusalem. Well, not the gas station bathroom in Jesus’ case. Joe and Mary are far down the road before they realize Jesus isn’t with them. He thought Jesus was with her people, She thought Jesus was with his people—and Jesus was nowhere to be found.
Scripture says, 46 After three days they found Jesus in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
In other words, ‘We’re going to tan your hide Mr. for causing us so much panic, worry, and fear.’ And Jesus just digs the hole deeper with his relieved but angry parents when he says: “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”[f]50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
And the Scripture goes on to say: “Mary treasured all these things in her heart.”
Mary teaches us too. She teaches us that not every parenting moment must be fixed immediately. Some moments are meant to be pondered.
She allows mystery.
She allows growth.
She allows room for God to work beyond her understanding.
Like Hannah, Mary doesn’t: broadcast the moment or rush to resolution. She holds it instead. Mary doesn’t post her frustration in the moment—instead she ponders it.
The chapter in Kevin DeYoung’s book that I read in order to prepare for this message today, was entitled, “Don’t Freak Out About Your Kids.” Maybe, that’s really what made Mary and Hannah and Jesus such powerful influencers over the last 2,000 plus years.
In any case, you Moms and Dads who are here today—receive this special blessing.
Our God understands completely what you’re going through. There is a reason we call him our Heavenly Father. It’s not easy. In fact, it’s the hardest job there is. So may our gracious God bless you with an extra portion of patience, perseverance, and peace as you tend your garden and as you trust in Him to help your children grow. Amen.
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