advent

Was it really worth the wait?

Posted on by MSFriend
Was it really worth the wait?
Joy in waiting!
Worth it?

Was it really worth the wait? I ask myself that today as I clean, cook and decorate the tree in anticipation of the arrival of Jesus. I say it certainly was, even though I feel like I’ve been operating at full throttle the entire season of Advent.

This year I participated in more prayer groups than in years past – each with it’s own agenda for Advent. In addition to all that, I committed to writing a reflection here everyday. There were Monday afternoon and evening commitments, Wednesday mornings and evenings, Friday mornings and Sunday evenings.

Wait how?

I’d wake up every morning to pray, meditate and read Scripture. I’d start thinking about my reflection and some days I was inspired immediately. Other days I was preoccupied with other responsibilities and I didn’t get to write until later in the evening.

So this Advent, while I “waited” to decorate and focused my attention on the reason for the season, it felt like a whirlwind. But I wouldn’t change it for the world because my relationship with the Lord has grown so much deeper. My desire to devour Scripture seems insatiable.

miracles happen

Last year I waited until Christmas Eve to get a tree. Not the best idea, everyone was sold out. I initially had to settle for a Walmart special which left much to be desired and then………….a Christmas miracle – my husband found a beautiful tree on the side of the road near his job site. It was beautiful and when he got it home we realized it came with a star and an angel ornament. A gift and blessing from God? I would like to think so.

This year, we waited until December 22 to pick up a tree. They weren’t sold out but the pickings were slim for sure. So we got one of the smallest trees we’ve ever had, but what could we do, right?

I have to admit, I was a little disappointed at first. Then I remembered Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem – relegated to a cave to birth the Savior of the world. I wondered if they were disappointed or if they were simply joyful for the miracle about to unfold.

As I sat back on my couch and looked at the tree, I was reminded of the Holy Family. In that moment I realized the beauty of waiting. Every year is different and every year I’m open to the possibility that a miracle may happen. I let what’s happening happen.

So grateful

As I wrap up my daily reflections this Christmas Eve, I am so grateful for the past few weeks and how everything turned out. No control, no desire to control, just focused on Christ as my center, knowing He is with me. I know He will provide. So, was it really worth the wait? As tired as I am, I say heck yeah!

Thank you all for your prayers this Advent. I know it’s what kept me going because there were days I felt I was running on empty! I’m so grateful for your support. Wishing you a Christmas filled with the joy felt by Mary and Joseph at the birth of their newborn Son. God bless you!

When the sun rises in the morning sky, you will see the King of kings coming forth from the Father like a radiant bridegroom from the bridal chamber.

The unknown day and hour – Mt 24:37-44

Posted on by MSFriend
the unknown day and hour
He’s already there, let Him out into the world!

The unknown day and hour is the title of today’s Gospel.

Matthew 24: 37-44

For as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.

Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this; if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.

stay awake

THE SECOND COMING! STAY AWAKE! The unknown day and hour! We’ve all heard it before and as faithful as we are, it’s a bit scary to hear, is it not? Today, as I read this, I thought: could it be that this “second coming” is our realization that He is always present, that He resides in our hearts? Maybe THAT’S how He is released into the world?

Could “stay awake” mean be mindful, aware and present in order to recognize that He is not “out there” somewhere but “in here” in our hearts? By staying awake we get to witness day in and day out how He is working in our lives through the good and bad.

taken/left?

“One will be taken” – could taken mean converted or awakened to the true Source of joy. “One will be left” – could left mean unmoved, unaware of God’s action and presence in their life?

I feel like this Gospel is telling us not to seek Him out there. Remain present and mindful, remain open to His promptings, trust in His timing. I recently read words from Fr. Thomas Keating that have stayed with me and help me trust more: “Let what’s happening, happen.” His plans are way better than our plans. We’ll get it eventually but we have to remain open to His life and love. Surrender and trust.

When will we arrive?

The truth is we never “arrive” in this spiritual journey. Jesus tells us so when He says: “but of that day and hour no one knows.” Two steps forward, one step back – we make some progress but it’s almost as if we’re always beginning. We “arrive” when we pass from this life and of that day and hour no one knows.

God bless you!