Christmas is a time of waiting. I remember as a child attending church each week during the advent season. Seeing a new candle lit every week with that glee and excitement that Christmas was fast approaching. For some, the waiting could be a beautiful gift under the tree, seeing family that comes from far distance, time off from work, or maybe watching someone open a present that you spent time and care picking out. Of course, the waiting and anticipation for the small Babe that was born onto us, that died so we may live, should be at the forefront of our hearts and minds!
For me tomorrow, December 20th, also marks a period of waiting. Actually, the end of stretch of waiting. After 3 weeks and 4 days, December 20th, was the day that my husband was finally recovered from the lake. This waiting was drastically different than the above mentioned, but waiting none-the-less. Anticipation given a new meaning during the advent season. But just as we need to prepare our hearts for the coming of our Lord. I have come to realize the I also needed my own “advent” to come to terms with the beginning of my new story.
If you look up the meaning of Advent you will find definitions such as:
the period of beginning, a season of prayer and fasting, the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. As I reflect back 2 years to the date, I can see so clearly now the need for my own “advent.” My own period of preparation, prayer and longing for arrival. At the time I would have said “Why in the actual (insert swear word) is it necessary for me to have such a traumatic, anxious, period of literal hell.”
But I have come to realize that during this time, as horrible as it was, it did help prepare me for the arrival of my new life without my husband. I needed to come terms that he was not coming back and start to envision a life without him. Although my “advent” ended in an undesirable event. There was still preparation that was needed for it to come to an end. There was much preparation that encompassed all human aspects- of my mind, body and soul.
We all have our own times of waiting, our own “advent” if you will. We may not realize it during the time of turmoil, but it is important to take time to reflect after the fact. To learn that those times, that waiting, is going to occur in our lives with both favorable and unfavorable results. The importance is the reflection after. What did you learn? What are your take-aways? How did you cope? How can you cope differently? How can your experience help others? etc… Depending on your situation this will take time, but there is so much healing in reflection. Do it at your own pace, do it in your own way, but non-the-less you must do it.
So as we come to an end to our advent season. I encourage you to look at your life, reflect on the good, learn from the uncertainty, and always have Hope for good to come.
Merry Christmas!!!!!!
Life is short but sweet for certain- DMB