My family has spent the last month in and out of sickness. It’s been challenging to get the kids outdoors for fresh air because it's been so cold, and it's even more frustrating to take them somewhere indoors because we seem to get sick with something all over again. The cabin fever is real; we are deep in a season of waiting. With Advent in full swing now, the waiting has taken on new meaning.
This weekend I sat down with my Every Sacred Sunday book and listened to Fr. Mike Schmitz‘ Sunday homilies for Advent. While taking notes (and doodling), Fr. Mike talked about what it means to wait well. He said to wait well, we should engage. It's not about worrying through the waiting or just trying to get to the destination. The process matters, too. It's a process of engaging and trusting. Don't be discouraged or try to race through to the end. Be patient like the farmer—let the current season take its course. God's grace is here for us right now. We just have to cooperate. With Advent being a season of preparing ourselves for Christ’s coming, it's a beautiful time to learn the practice of waiting well.
I don't think I've ever waited well. I feel I‘m always worried or frustrated in the middle of it. I’ve never thought about what it means to engage in the process. I do love Advent and the joy of anticipating Christ's coming. So maybe I can bring the joy of waiting into other areas of my life, too. So even though I'm exhausted, I decided to get out my camera and macro lens to capture some memories at home with my kids—and be present.
I watched the baby pull a couple of books off the shelf, turn the pages and look at the pictures. He even tried to eat one. He played with the strings on a toy apron and I watched him wonder about how it moves and feels in his hands. He's been growing and changing so much, but I want to hold onto the memory of his tiny hands and feet. I tried to take in all the little details while he explored.
I also helped some of my kiddos to make a Pop Tart Nativity. Between sneaking bites of pretzels and animal crackers, they took turns making the people and putting the scene together. We laughed when one of them stuck a rhino in among the animals. Sometimes it's hard for me not to just take over and do it “right.” But it turned out so cute! I love the humble reminder of preparing a place for Jesus.
This was such a simple way to engage in the waiting. I know I need more practice in patience and trust, instead of always rushing and worrying. But I love the invitation to work on it in all parts of my life. And Advent is a beautiful season to get started.
Be patient, brothers and sisters,
until the coming of the Lord. James 5:7