R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
I really look forward to this week being over. At school we are in the midst of a fund raiser where we make custom ornaments. We also have concerts for my school groups as well as my own children in their ensembles. We also have all of the normal holiday shopping to do. If you're like me you tend to over schedule yourself then wonder why you can't sleep right or you're on edge. We all know that we shouldn't say yes to so many things however life isn't that simple. I guess perhaps the thing to do is to take advantage of the quiet times as they come. They might not be obvious but they are there. Maybe I can spend a few minutes in prayer while I'm waiting for my child to get to the car or for my wife to come out of the store. Maybe when there's 10 minutes of down time, instead of hoping on the computer or finding something to do I will just have a seat and enjoy the lights. Maybe when I go to that school concert, instead of worrying about when it's going to be over, I will be able to watch the little kids as they fidget, sing, and generally cause havoc to their parents, and enjoy their youth and the gift that they are to us all. Maybe I'll park at the end of the parking lot on purpose, just to have a little walk to the store. Maybe I can just hold my wife's hand and be thankful for my blessings. Advent is a time of waiting and a time of anticipation but does it have to be so stressful that we no longer appreciate the little things? I think the best things about this time of the year are the little things and I think Advent is the perfect time to appreciate them.... even the snowflakes.
God Bless, Perry