Finding Time For Christmas
This year the Christmas Season has been very different for me. Normally it seems like the busyness of the fall schedule rolls right into Christmas. The Fall/Halloween party, Missions Sunday, Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas in Ida float, the annual Christmas program, special Christmas events, Christmas Eve service. Plus year end business and reports. It’s sort of “boom, boom, boom”. And then Christmas is gone and January is well under way.
I am fortunate that each year there are a number of people who help lead and plan each event and my level of planning varies. But there is an overall “busyness” from late October until early January.
This year has been radically different for me. After spending the last several years struggling with illness, I found the illness winning. Then a major trip to Mayo Clinic, where the doctors further diagnosed my problem, follow by surgery and then a significant recovery time.
I had a few of those “potential” complications/consequences associated with a major surgery, and managed to fall and hurt my rib, further delaying my recovery.
The result is that I have not been able to participate the the normal schedule, nor had the normal responsibilities. Normally I would not recommend surgery, injury, pain, and weakness. Yet in the midst of it, I found space for God. Time to begin to renew my relationship with him. And learned a new appreciation for watching the pace we allow our life to run.
For the first time in a long time, I’m actually enjoying the season, and finding time to dwell in the joy of the advent of my Lord. That’s cool.
Paul knew what he was talking about when he spoke of Christ becoming central in the midst of our weakness.
Amen.