Waiting...

I’m often impatient: traffic, waiting in lines to checkout, waiting for a bus/shuttle, waiting at the airport, waiting for a concert to start, waiting for a vacation. So much opportunity for distraction! Some of these experiences build stress, some pleasurable anxiousness.

The holidays are now in our midst. Preparations for gatherings, hosting meals, gift giving and parties! It can be so stressful and distracting, yet fun.  

We are now in the waiting period of Advent. This is purposeful waiting…or should be if I can minimize the distraction. It is a time to reflect and contemplate on the wait of the Jewish people for their Messiah. It is a time to prepare for His presence in our lives and await the second coming.   

I pray that my waiting is active and not passive. I want to recognize this time and create space for God to work in my heart and in my life. I want to be thankful for gifts He has given me that allow me to give back to my family and community. Though this can be a fun-filled joyous time, there are days when I feel loneliness, loss and stress.  At these times may I recognize that God is working in my life. I am reminding myself to build in silence by turning off the radio in the car, taking a silent walk and starting my morning with a prayer. This is how I hope to share the Love of the Heart of Christ this Advent. 

How can I—how can you—create purposeful waiting space this Advent?

Rebecca Rabbitt Pogorzelski '80