Weekly Reflection - 12/20/2023

St. Mary's Reflection: Linda Woodworth, Vestry Member

I recently saw a quote attributed to 'anonymous' - "let's approach Christmas with an expectant hush, rather than a last minute rush." This message embodies for me the heart of the Advent season - quietly preparing, waiting and listening - being present in the current moment. However, this is also one of my biggest challenges.

The very idea of waiting is contrary to my nature and to the way our lives seem to speed ever forward. How many times do we lament how “fast” the month or season or year seems to be going? How often do we find ourselves needing to fill every moment of our day (or overfill it) - checking emails while standing in line at the store or checking on social media while waiting for a phone call or meeting. While I love the ability to work from anywhere and everywhere, it can be overwhelming and distracting.

On top of how ‘fast’ the time flies, every year I seem to try to do “more” to prepare for and to recognize the season - whether it be more social activities, more community celebrations or more ways to spiritually prepare.

All of which just seems to add up to more unfulfilled expectations as well as an exhausted mind, spirit and body.

I am working on being more intentional in many parts of my life this year. For Advent, I am trying to add the simple act of “waiting” - finding small ways to be ‘present’ and shut out the constant interruptions of life. Those moments don’t need to be big changes but quiet moments wherever we can - in the morning before the day starts, at the end of the church service while listening to the music, or carving out a time to take a walk.

None of this will eliminate the ‘rush’ of the holidays but will help to draw us back to recognizing the blessings of expectation and preparing for the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.

Linda Woodworth,

Vestry Member