A dowry poured out

I am reading through the Easter week stories in the Bible.  This morning I read the story of Mary, sister of Lazarus, anointing Jesus with expensive perfume.

For those who don't know, I was single until I was 40.  What does this have to do with Mary?

When I was 23 I'd had a clear sense that God was calling me to ministry, and I knew that this call would come first in my life.  The men I met didn't understand or support the idea that a call from God came before them.  So I figured I'd be single for life.

In my early 30s, I heard a friend preaching on this story of Mary anointing Jesus.  He mentioned that the expensive perfume that Mary used was probably her dowry (the "money" that would provide for a good marriage).  He went on talking about the story, but for me time stood still.  I understood Mary's story in a way that few could.  Mary poured out her future marriage, her future security, onto Jesus.  In a society where marriage was everything, she had given it up to anoint Jesus as King.  (Why didn't anyone else understand the need for Jesus to be anointed as King?  It was Mary who ended up fulfilling this priestly role).  So while those around her thought she was crazy, Jesus commended her.

Since we lose track of Mary after the gospel, I often wonder what happened to her.  How did God use her after this?  Eastern Orthodox tradition says that she, along with her brother and sister, went to Cyprus, with Lazarus becoming the leader of the church there.  When I get to heaven I'd like to sit down with her and hear "the rest of the story."

My "rest of the story"?  While single, I found that I lacked nothing.  The "pouring out" of the life that "could be" did not put me in a place where I was wanting.  I had close friends.  I got to travel.  I had a home of my own.  I had a full life.  More than all of that, I had Jesus besides me every step go the way.  Even now I wouldn't trade that time for anything.

And then... At age 40 God surprised and blessed me with a husband who fully understands and supports this call of mine.  Even when it sends us on some crazy journeys.

What's of most value to you?  Mary poured it out freely in love to her King Jesus.  I'm guessing that she found, as I have found, that it was not a loss, but a gain.