The ornament today is meant to remind us that, “in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis1:1).
As an adult, it is easy to remember the creation stories with glassy eyes; yes, yes, I have heard this before. What’s next?
Advent is a time for slowing down, just a notch. I know in the busyness of my life, especially this time of year when I am rushing around to get things done, I am missing it when God attempts to reveal himself to me.
This morning when I took some time for prayer, I lit an extra candle or two. I took a deep breath and let it out. After I barraged the Good Lord with all of my requests, and they were many, I asked if I could be more mindful today of his presence in the world he created.
When I went for my morning walk, for some reason I headed up my street instead of the direction I normally go. The light of the sun was just peeking up over the horizon behind me. It cast a bright fuchsia onto the naked sycamores that line my street. The top portion of every tree crown was lit for my viewing pleasure.
Enjoying this brief show of beauty, early this morning, a sense of peace washed over me. “Look!” God seemed to say, “Here I am, I’ve been with you all along!”
Join me today, in taking a brief pause from the rush of life. Take a step outside and look for God’s presence in the world around you.
It only takes a minute or two. If we can focus our glassy eyes we can see him clearly. He is with us all of the time!
The Last Lap (and what comes next) 