Be still

When it comes to Christmas, I want to do it all. I want to go to every party. Sing in every church event. Attend every concert. Wander through every craft fair.

(Also eat every Christmas cookie, every piece of cake and every piece of candy that floats my way but that's another story.)

I don't want to miss anything.

In all that effort to do, see, eat, sing, love and laugh, I become tired, sluggish and cranky. My fa-la-la's all turn into bah humbugs and I am not pleasant for anyone to be around.

How did that happen? I'll tell you.  With too much doing and not enough being.

Being present.

Being loving.

Being mindful.

Being still.

Advent is a season of waiting. A season of expectation. A season that requires stillness to see and hear what God has to say to my heart. And by doing everything I want to do, I miss those moments. That quiet voice or thought; a word from a friend; or a beautiful sunset. All of those are moments I don't want to miss either.

Dear Lord,

Help me to slow down and be still this holiday season. To wait for you and listen for your voice as I prepare my heart to understand the breadth, depth and width of your love for me.

Amen

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
    I wait for God my Savior;
    my God will hear me.

    Micah 7:7