It's been a weird, warm winter. Christmas came and went with no snow. When we have had such long winters other years, it is nice to know it won't be as long this year but still, the economy depends on winter activities: skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, etc. Not to be disappointed! We sit and watch TV, hunkered inside, as the news says the first winter snow is raging outside, expecting to bring 8-12" of snow! It's even thundering, thunder snow!
The only thing that thrills me is looking forward to using our snow blower tomorrow simply to make sure it works OK, to keep it running. You know...use it or lose it! It has been really nice to act like it was still fall with no need to wear boots or cuddle duds for warmth. I would rather be mowing grass but, it still is winter in Wisconsin.
Isn't it funny that with every season the conversation changes for what's happening. Last week it was Christmas, this coming week it's New Year's, today it's a snow storm. Yesterday it was a Packer's Game! Sometimes these situations can get our goat, frustrate us, worry us...perhaps enough to really get us down. Can't do a thing about any of them!
How can some individuals be happy, contented, peaceful and serene in most situations? Blessed Mother Teresa said for her it was her prayer life, silencing herself, that helped her cope with what was going on around her. As she quieted the clutter inside and outside of herself she was able to listen to what God wanted to speak to her. Maybe this is a wonderful consideration for a New Year's resolution, to take time to quiet ourselves in order to listen to God.
When I listen to God in the depth of my heart I can then really enjoy the snowstorm, the wind, and the beauty going on outside. I don't have to fret about what might happen if wind gusts knock over trees or power lines. For right now it's a winter wonderland. After all, we've been looking forward to this snow for quite a while and it's finally here! Let's enjoy it!
"Stick around long enough to enjoy the miracle!" Yes, but that entails a wait. Waiting? Wait for what? Well, what don't we wait for? We are waiting for Christmas to come, for the days to be longer with more light, for spring, then summer...many things. For many just beginning a recovery program with addictions it is quite a wait to feel a sense of peace and joy. The "miracle" takes quite some time.
For those who suffer, sometimes it is hard to not get caught up in impatience, bitterness and dread. Some come through the other side of suffering like pure silver, much more beautiful because of it. For those who don't, though, they find they are irritable, and rather than being a better person with more understanding and compassion, their emotions are cold and unresponsive with little ability to respond to others, unable to love anymore. They actually shrink from those who really do care for them.
Even in nature: flowers, trees, and animals need a period of gestation, the waiting-time everything needs in order to bear fruit in life. As we wait for Christmas, Advent is a season of gestastion, a spiritual preparation for Christmas.
What do each of us do, with whatever suffering we may be encountering, with this time before Christmas, this time of Advent? Our waiting during Advent can certainly be a time of growth as well as hiding and darkness. Each of us must be patient, not only with the days to come but in due time all the tensions of this season can give way to a splendid peace. For Christians, of course, this is the time of the birth of the Christ child but each one of us is called to "stick around long enough to enjoy the miracle". We wait, we prepare, we anticipate! May God's peace be with each of us.
https://youtu.be/fH2FekyDKdw
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. This song brings me to tears, so much so I am sharing this link for you to listen to yourself. I hope you can open it up. If not, perhaps go to the site as typed above.
When I reflect on how peace can begin with a single person I am very grateful for those in my life who have modeled kindness, compassion, tolerance and a peaceful attitude rather than one of aggression, hatefulness and exclusion.
Can you just imagine if each one of us did that, very consciously, how that behavior could be the one flame that could ignite the world into peace? One by one, how each of us could make a difference in a huge way...imagine the ripple effect...in our homes, cities and the world. This should be the season of peace although, every day should be a season of peace!
Yes, let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me...with each and every one of us!
Molly LaFond is a spiritual director in Two Rivers, WI. She can be reached for an appointment at: 920.793.3530 or mollylafond.com
Christmas boxes are coming out, trees are coming inside, lights in and out are lighting up...'tis the season, transforming our homes for this Christmas season once again. For many however, this also is a season of transforming our hearts.
We can transform our homes but it becomes difficult to transform our hearts alone. In some church readings we are encouraged to turn to the Source of all life. The image of an old stump with a new shoot coming from it is used giving hope to a despondent people.
It is true, our hearts can become heavy-hearted from daily situations, daily worries and world concerns. These events can be so much in the headlines that we may miss all the ways that God comes into our lives, bringing us peace.
Let us ask God to strengthen our hearts, hoping our ability to love more fully becomes evident this wonderful season. God can bring us new life in ways we might not imagine, even if perhaps our hearts have grown colder with life. How can each one of us awaken to the true meaning of this Christmas season? Where would each of us like a true transformation?
