Advent Peace

In a season filled with so much to do and so many places to go, we are desperately in need of peace.

What would it look like to be rather than to do?

Would we dare risk what others thought of us if we decided to be present rather than do?

This seems quite contrary to how we gather with some of our favorite people around the holidays. There is baking and shopping and cleaning and preparing.  If your reality is similar to mine, everything is never really finished, even if we arrive on time or late! And then there is the traveling!!!

I wonder if the holiday season makes us more aware of how things really are? If we were to make time to check in with ourselves on a daily basis, would we see this driveness to “do” on a smaller scale more often?

Does the holiday season amp up what we are already in the habit of doing?

Regardless of how busy we find ourselves, we are subject to anxiety and stress. The question now becomes, “What anchors you to peace when stress is present?” Even though some stress is good and necessary, without an anchor to peace, stress can impact us in negative ways.

What anchors you?

Here are some anchors mentioned as we gathered at home for Advent:

• Stepping back from a situation
• Putting yourself in another’s shoes
• Taking a nap
• Going to the gym
• Realizing the situation is just not that big a deal
• Sports, being active
• Using the energy of another to do a hard thing
• Using your imagination

Wherever you are and whatever you do, be there. Be present. You may just find the peace your soul needs.

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us… And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”.  Isaiah 9:6