Rest

We’re in the middle of the season of Advent, that magical time of year when we speak about slowing down yet too-easily add things to our to-do lists, all the while time seems to be speeding itself up.

And in the midst of this, our souls cry for rest.

Rest from the pressure of society, rest from the increased social opportunities with friends and families, rest from the expectations we put on ourselves. A rest that speaks of enough, of abundance, of fulfillment.

Rest.
It seems incongruous with a society that craves validation, even from strangers, in demonstrating bigger/better/faster/more.
Yet the scriptures invite us to spend this time in repentance, in rejoicing, in returning to the Lord, in replenishment of spirit.

So while it is impractical to suggest we just ignore our cultural traditions (and who would want to?) perhaps we can be intentional about managing a balance of idealistic and realistic; a blending of secular and sacred, a compromise of busy and restorative.

While we may strive for perfection in decorating the house, God invites us to be patient in waiting for the Christ.
While we want to have those ideal presents under the tree, God invites us to be authentically present in our relationships.
While we put energy into planning a photo-worthy table, God invites us to be nourished with a Holy Meal.

While we can enjoy all that the season has to offer, God whispers into our deepest selves that rest can be enjoyed too – rest of body, rest of mind, rest of spirit – as we always learn more of what it means to be waiting in the presence of God.