November 26, 2023: The Pace of the Season

The Pace of the Season

---

“Do not be in a hurry to leave the king’s presence.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭8‬:‭3‬a NIV‬‬

---

---

“Take me away with you—let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers. We rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. How right they are to adore you!”

‭‭Song of Songs‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

---

“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭40‬-‭42‬ ‭NIV‬‬

My dream for you (and me) during this holiday season is that you would allow this beautiful time to be one of refreshing. A time where you linger instead of rush. That you'd give opportunity to take in fully each moment instead of allowing the chorelist dictate your pace. I pray, that this season would increase you, not diminish you.

Have you ever felt bone dry, fried to exhaustion, like an egg on a Phoenix sidewalk in July? Yet, you still have an onslaught of chores, to-do list items, and a myriad of social engagements? There is no reprieve from all that needs to be done, no end in sight.

Yep, pretty much me every Christmas season: staying up until 1am trying to get all of the gifts wrapped because I’ve procrastinated all month, waking up early to be “Super Betty Crocker Mom” to wake everyone with fresh cinnamon roles, polish sausage, and quiche, only then to be distracted by the clutter and mess. Rushing off to clean, crimp, and straighten just so I can relax when everyone else is gone off to their respective spaces.

In fact, these photographs were taken several years ago. I was so excited and grateful to have a photo to use for our Christmas card that year.... but I never got around to it. It was never printed, never sent, no card was. Another year caught up in the hurry.

My hope and prayer is that you would set aside time each morning to instead hurry into God’s presence and not be hurried out of it . That our to do list and chores (maybe even the “fun” stuff) wouldn’t steal what is better. That we’d make room in the Inn of our own hearts and allow the joy of the season to manifest God’s tangible presence in our lives.

The reason for the season is special. Let’s refuse to allow the season to steal the reason. Let’s linger and savor the moment more and rush less. Let’s dwindle down our to do lists and make time for what matters. Let’s rid ourselves of “fomo” on what others are doing and focus in on those right in front of us that are the most important.

Check in everyday for an inspirational message and scripture reading. You’ll find great ideas on family outings ideas, food to bring you all to the table, games that will get you all talking and laughing, and affordable gift ideas. The key, to save time and money while bringing you all together.

Don’t stress. Don’t do everything. Use an idea. Toss an idea. Whatever you do allow the Holy Spirit to be your guide in what you do or don’t do. I’m confident you’ll come out of this season the most refreshed and invigorated you’ve ever been.

I think that’s what we all want.

---

““Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.””

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭MSG‬‬

---

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the beauty and fulfilled promise of Christmas. Let our pace and timing be set by your Holy Spirit. Let our eyes be opened afresh to the awe and wonder of what this season means and brings! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Tree Lighting:

https://www.mkewithkids.com/post/7-dazzling-christmas-tree-lightings-around-milwaukee/

https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/events/2023/11/14/where-to-see-holiday-christmas-lights-displays-in-the-milwaukee-area-in-2023/71567144007/

https://www.ci.greenfield.wi.us/1353/Holiday-Tree-Lighting

https://www.oakcreekwi.gov/resident/events/holiday-celebrations/light-the-square

https://wauwatosaholidaymarket.com/

https://lakecountryfamilyfun.com/event/pewaukee-christmas-tree-lighting/

https://www.westalliswi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1618

https://villageofbrookfieldwi.com/tree-lighting/

#advent2023