The first day of Advent, I wrote these words:
Go. Whisper the trees. They are my ally on this walk in the woods.
Sometimes December 1st seems like the start of a race towards Christmas. Towards accomplishing. Towards balancing a hundred tasks.
But when I walk in the woods, my goal becomes noticing.
“Go slowly. Wait.” That’s the tickle in my ear, the words that swirl in the wind around me.
“Anticipating. Delighting.” These are the words that push against my expectant soul.
Go slowly.The invitation has been extended.
Since writing those words, a few friends have shared them on facebook throughout Advent. Each time they have been shared, one of the responses has typically been “if only” or ‘I wish”.
I’ve been thinking about those responses. I get the if only’s. If only I didn’t have so much baking to get done. If only I wasn’t so behind on my Christmas shopping. If only I had more resources. If only I had time to go for a walk. If only. If only.
So what does it really mean to let Christmas come towards me? Can it be done?
1. Letting Christmas come towards me starts with the heart. It is much more of an inward that outward choice. It will flow outward…but always begins with my thoughts and state of my heart.
2. Letting Christmas come towards me starts in small increments. I can be a person of extremes. If I don’t have a busy Christmas, it must mean I become a desert monk and do nothing. Real life beckons to me. I can still buy presents for my children and attend events and have five minutes a day for silence.
3. Letting Christmas come towards me flows from gratitude. Even with its a moment to close my eyes while in a long line. Even if it’s lingering over names and saying a prayer for those on my Christmas card list. The moments I name what I am grateful for, those moments have the power to transform.
For 25 days I responded to a word prompt from Rethink Church, and I took a picture from my life that connected to that word. A small daily exercise that created space for grace to flow. Here is what I learned from it:
1. My life is beautiful. And not it ways I may typically measure beauty. When you have eyes ready to see, God reveals so much of his glory all around us. From my son playing in the snow to a red-lit candle. From my peaceful chair to Curious George. All of this. This collection of living. Of simple moments. I don’t need to travel far to find majesty.
2. Paying attention to our life moves us from comparison to celebration. Being on social media can lead to thoughts like ‘how did she have time to bake 800 dozen cookies?” or “my house will never be as beautifully decorated as theirs.” Or…you fill in the blank. But when I slow down, just long enough to take a picture, I remember the scratches in our dining room table have come over hundreds of shared dinners. And the table becomes a treasure. The messy basement strewn with legos and a bat cave represent an answer to a long-held prayer to become parents. This is what we celebrate.
3. Christ is worth it. He is. Remembering the gift of his birth is worth slowing down. He is worth waiting for. Getting ready for Christmas Day should never get in the way of getting ready for Him. Sometimes I forget that the most important part of getting ready is preparing my heart for him. God with us, Immanuel.
4. Christ is worth it. He is. (just in case you missed number 3)
Advent is now over. Christ is born. How will we keep letting him come towards us?
{top image- this picture was taken last week at my son’s first grade Christmas party. I love it- the only moment of slowing down in an hour long party of excited kids. It can happen anywhere!}
