As we light the candle at the table’s center, we describe Advent to our girls as “coming,” as in not here yet.
And it’s the anticipation of childhood Christmases that I might remember more than Christmas itself. The waiting. The glowing Dickens village surrounded by sparkling snow, the brown reindeer set to grazing on the carpet, the unwrapping of our favorite salt dough ornaments each year.
If I’m not aware, I find myself trying to will myself to feel the right things as I do all the right Christmastime things. But, in the usual paradox, wonder and peace and grateful joy show up most when I release my grip.
That’s when I notice the candle flickering that is hint of the Light that has come. That’s when I see books spread across laps and the sparkles of recognition dancing with the age old story. That’s when I remember gifts are but a glance along the edges of the Greatest Gift.
Yesterday morning, I read words in my Bible written in high school handwriting. “Hope = Wait,” and it leads me to the words below from Psalm 38: “I wait for you, O Lord; you will answer, O Lord my God.” (verse 15)
As I lay in bed this morning, I reflect on stories of a man of valor and 27 years in a prison and the kind of waiting that causes a person to bear the fruit of peace that unites and not bitterness that further divides, and it is miracle of hope.
I reflect on a world groaning deeply over thousands of years, God’s Answer and a weary spinning planet just longing to rejoice.
Joining this morning with Lisa-Jo Baker and Five Minute Friday and the prompt: REFLECT. (Five Minute Friday will be taking a December sabbatical, but I will be here writing through the month.) I encourage you to read (South African) Lisa-Jo’s exquisite reflection on Nelson Mandela this morning.
Connecting through the power of stories written, spoken and lived
What a beautiful piece. Your word choice moves me. “Wonder and peace and grateful joy”. I will carry those words with me after reading your story. Thank You.
Thank you for your words and presence here. Truly, a gift.
“But, in the usual paradox, wonder and peace and grateful joy show up most when I release my grip.” Oh girl… so much amen to this!!!
Karrilee, how I appreciate the ways you echo back to me. You bless me, friend.
“I reflect on a world groaning deeply over thousands of years, God’s Answer and a weary spinning planet just longing to rejoice.”
And oh what a thing to reflect upon, thank you for putting that into words…..there is so much longing, so much.
Yes, friend there is. We know both the fulfillment and the longing this side of heaven in such deep ways, don’t we? It’s especially poignant this time of year. I love you.
Ashley I notice that in each comment above, something you said was lifted and held apart from the rest, each cluster becoming a tender gift, a hope, an amen to the one who lifted it. I too am feeling the hunger of a “weary spinning planet just longing to rejoice.” Your phrasing is so beautiful Ashley. Thank you for the gifts in this piece today!
Thank you, Mama, for tenderly holding out the clusters and parts of the whole you see and experience. xoxo
The paradoxes with which you wrestle, and that you describe here, will pay triple benefits at some point. You ask all the right questions, Neice. Questions that I ‘m sure will line the way to a life content and filled with Grace in your golden years. We are so Blessed to share some of these with you. These are things we should all ponder. Thank you for this!
Thank you, Uncle Don. Ooooohhhh, triple benefits! That’s better than any rewards club. I like the thought! :-)
Thank you for this reminder, Ashley . . “peace and grateful joy show up most when I release my grip.”
Praying for more moments in which we can release the grip. Such a challenge for me this time of year. Blessings of peace and grateful joy to you, dear Kim.
Hi, Ashley! Beautiful post. Reminds me that no matter how dark things may seem now the light is coming. Thanks!
Dear Ashley
Yes, my friend, my country is in mourning, but now our Tata Madiba has finished his long walk to true Freedom. Thank you so much for holding him dear in your heart. He truly was a remarkable man who’s live shined with the Great Light within his heart.
Blessings XX
Mia
Beautiful writing & reflection on this season Ashley…thank you!