Resolving to Wait

And so we wait. The Latin adventus means arrival. As in the ceremony of an arriving king. And adventus is similar to the Greek parousia which implies that something is very near. In advent we expectantly wait for something important, life-changing.

Can we do that?

Are we good at waiting?

As soon as I have a question I don't know the answer to, I google it. As soon as I am out of something, I order it online and it arrives the next day. As soon as I wonder about someone, I check social media. If there is something I want, I buy it.

What do we do slowly anymore? When do we focus for longer than three minutes at a time? When do we have long, free-form conversations in person? When do we read fiction? When do we walk or exercise without AirPods?

Every year it’s the same. We have our usual busy lives to which we add buying presents, travel, extra cooking, social activities and family get-togethers. And that’s without the overlay of sadness, drama, loneliness and loss that are inevitable during the short days and long nights. We overeat, under-sleep and drink too much. And to all of this, we are expected to create a frame of reflection and mindfulness.

It doesn't seem possible.

And to be fair it isn’t.

But what if we try anyway? What if we carve out a few moments of focus? Leaving our phone behind we go on a long walk. Or we sit and read in a comfortable chair. Or we meet a friend over coffee- with the plan to listen more than we speak. Or most nights we don’t drink. Or we write a letter using pen and paper. Or we go to bed earlier.

And by doing these things we create space to expectantly wait. For what is coming next. For our next season. Because change is coming. And we can be healthy and open and receptive for its arrival.

Holy One, your plan is a good one. As the end of the year speeds up, advent teaches us to find moments of peace. Be near as we wait. Amen

Brandon is thankful for those that love and care for him. And plans to notice each day of Advent.