It is
hard to believe, but as I write this, November is standing at the threshold waiting
to come in. Where did the time go? Just a few moments ago, or so it seemed, we
were watching the ball drop in Times Square; now we’re getting ready for the
upcoming holiday marathon.
It is
difficult to slow down when we get to this time of year. Our hearts beat just a little faster,
especially when we look at our to-do lists.
Our breath quickens when we begin to inventory our tasks, and count down
the days until family arrives. Wait, not
so fast. They can’t be here yet. We’re not ready! We need to get the meals planned, the food
bought, the house cleaned… But just like
November, they’re standing not-so-patiently at the threshold. Waiting.
First, there are the feasts (and of
course, the inevitable leftovers), the guests, the memories made and
shared. We attempt almost in vain to
savor the moments. But alas, these are
even fleeting. And before you know it, “Black
Friday” is upon us, and the rush toward Christmas begins its mad dash into our
consciousness.
Gifts need to be purchased and
wrapped.
Cards need to be
addressed and sent. The house needs to be cleaned again, and decorated.
Food needs to be prepared - cookies baked, ham bought.
The tree needs to be adorned with all the trimmings.
How do
we slow down to savor the moments?
Invariably, it will all be over before we’ve had a chance to scarcely
take it all in. We won’t have had the opportunity
to share how we feel about our loved ones before they are gone, and then…
This
season, allow the rush to pass by unheeded.
Instead of being swept up into its fervor, quietly step aside and let it
go by. Then take some time to listen in
the quietness after the rush has passed, and allow the grace of God’s abiding
presence, that started so long ago on a star-lit night, to once again bring a
spirit of Thanksgiving into your soul.
Let it creep in like the fragrance of God’s presence. Let it linger there, breathing it in and
out. Let it fill your soul with the
gentle reminders that God is God – not bound by calendars, or schedules, or
to-do lists. Look for the hauntingly
familiar presence of the One who became one of us. Search your heart. You’ll find the place. The time.
The presence of the Holy.
And all these other things will
fall into their proper places.
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
