I tiptoed barefoot and pajama-clad around the corner into the living room — the house still dimly lit by the lamp in the hall. I held my breath to protect the silence and folded myself into my favorite green chair. The chair is usually in this corner, but now it’s nestled snugly next to the Christmas tree. I flipped the switch for the lights on the Christmas tree. The tiny bulbs bathed the room in warmth – both light and feeling. I opened my Bible and Advent study book. A sigh escaped my lips. In the few minutes before the rush of the day began, I sat quietly with God’s Word, trying to remember what all this hurry in the season was really supposed to be about.
Oh, sweet friends, how I would love to tell you this moment of sitting in silence by my tree was how most of December has looked – with time on my hands and all “the things” complete. But, alas, it would be a big, bold-faced, hairy lie. While this quiet moment did happen and several more like it in the early mornings, I’ll share with you a truth about some of the other, not so picturesque, moments this season.
The not so pretty truths:
I cried this morning when I got to work. Because I forgot something at home and wasn’t sure how to make my day work without it.
I went to the mall yesterday – TWICE. Both times I thought I was purchasing my last gift and left giddy, only to come home and remember something – or 10 – I forgot.
I decided to drop a tradition from our must-do list, and I am already sad it won’t be included in my yearly Christmas pictures.
I haven’t made strawberry jam, which is one of my favorite holiday past-times, loaded with family memories.
In the scope of life, each of these things is inconsequential. But, this week, to me, they feel heavy.
“I don’t do what I would like to do…”
Just last night I visited with another writer, who mentioned Paul’s confession in Romans, “I do not understand what I do; for I don’t do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate.” (Romans 7:15 GNT)
This is me. Right now. At the Christmas season. I want to focus on peace and joy. Yet I’m sucked into the busyness of the season. I want to be present in each moment, but my mind wanders to my list of presents to buy.
I’m sure the pillar of the church, Paul, meant his confession to resonate with far deeper spiritual meaning when he wrote it to the Jews living in Rome, than distraction of “stuff” at Christmas time in the twenty-first century. But perhaps it comes down to the same heart longings. Longing to be close to our mighty God, to celebrate the birth of our friend Jesus and to connect in love with those around us.
The idea of shalom:
Recently I stumbled across a simple video by The Bible Project explaining the concept of peace and shalom. It is not, the video explained, just the absence of war, but instead the state of complete wholeness or complete restoration. He explains, “it is something complex, with lots of pieces that is in a state of completeness or wholeness.” Doesn’t that sound like what we want for the season? Not just the absence of war – or of busyness or chaos – but a sense of wholeness.
We have exactly a week before we open our eyes to Christmas morning. What will the next seven days look like for you? My challenge to you, and to myself, is to find seven quiet moments, one each day. Calm the hustle and bustle. Choose the silent in a night. Spread the joy to the world.
There is no way to find a peaceful moment!
Here are a few ideas, just in case you are like me and sometimes feel there is no way to find a peaceful moment.
*Wake up just before your people or stay awake a moment after they go on to bed. Be still in front of the Christmas tree with only its lights on. Whisper a prayer of thanks for Jesus is the light of the world.
*Make it a point to look at the nametags and listen to the names of those we encounter in service positions. Then, look them in the eye, thank them by name and wish them a Merry Christmas with a smile.
*Put something off until January. Is there something you’d hoped to fit in but haven’t? Move it to January when people may need a pick-me-up. (Thank you, SR, for this reminder this week!)
*Connect. If you think of a friend, let them know. If you blunder, laugh through it with a friend. Give long hugs to those you love.
Prayers for Shalom, my friends – Bethany
*PS – Here is the link to The Bible Project Word Study: Shalom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=oLYORLZOaZE.
**ALSO – I’m thinking of using the hashtag #sevenquietminutes over on Instagram for the next week to share peaceful moments I find. Join me!? Let’s fill our feeds with peace and joy.