I'm still relatively new to the liturgical tradition. I've only been in the Episcopal church almost two years. I've experienced Lent twice, Advent and Christmas once, my own Confirmation and a host of other church traditions. I love all of it. Rest assured, I'm not drawn into the church by the glitz and glamour or the smells and bells if you will. I understand it isn't all wonderful. Nothing in this world makes me crazier or happier than the church.
Advent is my happy place. Truth be told, I'm horrible at waiting, but through some long dark nights and seasons of the soul, I've learned to wait better. I'm committed to Christ and most days I'm determined to see this journey to the end. One time in a moment of extreme spiritual maturity I screamed. Out loud. "I'm NOT waiting ANYMORE!" As clear as anything I've ever heard God said, "You can kick and you can scream or you can wait well, but you're going to wait."
HUMPH!
I throw a holy fit semi regularly, but the great thing about God being the most important part of this life is the moment when I've worn myself completely out. And I collapse on my bed and say, "Okay. I'll do it your way. I'll wait when it's hard. I'll trust you when the nights are long. And I'll love you all the way." And I actually mean it. Then I go to sleep because I'm pretty sure God needs a break from me as much as I do.
There's never a season spiritually that we aren't waiting for something. Something to change. Something to happen. Something to stop happening. Waiting on the world to change or at least our corner of it is exhausting.
But there's comfort and growth in the times when the calendar is missing and the clock seems stuck at never going to happen.
And if I really, really listen carefully, I always hear the whisper of Emmanuel in this season as he speaks to this heart....."I'm waiting with you."
4 comments:
I see that impatience runs in our family. The thing that saves me in Advent (And Lent) is I have so much to do musically in preparation for the big days. Christmas and Easter are exciting, but in some ways they are anticlimactic. It's sort of "OK, what's next?"
The other thing that you reminded me about is that waiting really IS part of life. It's not, "as soon as I get this done, then I can get on with life." Life is always going on! (Philosophy is free of charge!) :)
Thanks for continuing to share your journey, Brenda.
Happy Advent!
Ah yes, I am well familiar with those moments of "extreme spiritual maturity." I think that's why God took the doors off my room.
Oh boy. I can relate to this. I thought I was good at waiting BUT in this season of life my impatience has been exposed.
Thanks for reminding me that He is always with me. Even when I feel miserable.
Oh how I can relate. I once thought I was patient but in this season of life I have been found lacking.
Thanks for the reminder that He is with me, despite how miserable I feel, as I wait.
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