I picture Mary as a really forthright woman, almost gutsy.  I think she took “flack” for being a woman following Jesus.  I also think others had “opinions” about her relationship with Jesus and I think it’s possible that others were suspicious of her motives.  When she went to tell the disciples that Jesus was alive she must have been thinking especially about Peter and what this would mean to him.  This was Peter’s chance to make things right with Jesus.  Despite what others may have thought 2000 years ago or what others have written recently, I believe beyond any shadow of doubt that Mary loved Jesus because he was her Lord and Master.  I believe she loved the disciples as well and was excited that they were going to get to see Jesus again as well, just like she saw him.  Mary WAS a woman with a past, but Jesus changed all of that and now she was a woman with a future.  If you have past pain holding onto you, I encourage you to sit with Jesus and let Him take it from you.  Cry it out and when the tears stop flowing, let it go to Jesus.  Then, ask Jesus to show you what future He has for YOU.   

One thing I know for sure, it will be more incredible than you can begin to imagine. 

Read Ephesians 3:14-19.  Spent some time thinking about Jesus and center on Him.

Read the scripture the first time slowly and spend some time in silence.  Sit with God and savor the words.

Read the scripture again and this time think about phrases and words that speak to you.  Write those words down.

Read the scripture through a third time and ponder those phrases or words.  Let the words interact with your thoughts and desires. Spend as much time as you need pondering the phrases or words. 

Read the scripture again.  Ask God what he has for you here.  Write down your thoughts.  Thank God for the time spent and for His love.