Thoughts on Advent

Every party-filled December seems to whiz by at a speed that I can't seem to keep up with, and this year already feels no different.  However, I have a few goals in mind for the month to help slow it down and bring more purpose and meaning to this joyful season!  And isn't this shot of Leah fun!

1.  Get to church.  Jesus is the reason for the season.  How we spend our time should align with our beliefs and priorities; I'm hoping that by spending time in daily prayer, digging into scripture and surrounding ourselves with fellow believers, we can experience Jesus more!  We've been lighting an advent wreath in our house every night for dinner since Advent began, and it has been the start of a sweet tradition.  To see joy in the girls eyes as we light the first purple candle, and Ruthie sings her little tune always centers us and reminds us what it's all about.  She sings a song she learned in Kindergarten, "Light the Advent candle one,  Now the waiting has begun;  We have started on our way,  Time to think of Christmas day. "

2.  Gracefully decline a few things.  This may sounds selfish, but we're learning that by "yes" to everything, means we are spread thin, with more anxiety and less joy as we endure each passing function that comes our way.  By saying "yes" to only the parties, events and gatherings that truly speak to us, we can experience more purpose and be more present for moments this season has to offer.  In the Advent prayer book that was distributed at church, there's a nice quote from Archbishop Sartain, "Staying awake, being prepared, means that we allow the hope springing from the promises of God to inspire and enliven the present moment with peace.  Anxiety agitates and distracts us from the present moment and does not prepare us for anything."  This is such great verbiage for tying these two goals together.

3. STAY ORGANIZED!  It's my goal to have holiday cards and presents wrapped one day at a time, hoping to be finished a week before Christmas.  I'd love to spend the week leading up to Christmas enjoying quality time with people we love, reading sweet holiday books and making yummy Christmas food.  I'm off to a good start!!!