Dear Friends,
I can’t quite believe Advent starts this Sunday. The countdown to Christmas has started. The pace is picking up. So much to do! Bring it on!
…but hang on a minute, I’m already busy, how can I fit more in? Even my to do lists, have lists of their own. It’s feeling a bit overwhelming. Urgent. I don’t feel ready.
But it’s the same every year and all will be well…in the end. I wonder if and how I can shoehorn in a little oasis time, that Mark was talking about.
The gospel reading feels full of urgency too. The urgency of being ready. Ready for Jesus’ return. So much of our festival season remembers and reflects on Jesus as a baby, I wonder how much attention or gravitas we actually give contemplating his return?
My takeaways then dear reader. Get ready, live ready – don’t procrastinate or put off a more Christ like way of living because you don’t have enough time right now to think about it. Don’t push it into tomorrow (or onto your to do list) because it will be more convenient.
Perhaps little oasis pit stops are not just the answer, but also the antidote. The space to breathe and reflect, but also to notice the spirits still small voice and to follow where it leads. Being intentional and building this habit helps us stay connected & engaged. So much of what we need also saturates this space. This will help us to be ready.
That sounds more like it. I’ll let you know how I get on. If this resonates with you, I would love to hear how you get on too.
Love
Julia
Julia Jones, Churchwarden