No, this is different. It is like I want to make this season last...grab every second and make it count. My goal this year is not to wake up on December 26th and wonder how everything went by so fast. This season I plan to do all those things I find myself wishing I would have done.
Webster's defines intention as "determined to act in a certain way...resolve". This is my "word" for the season of Advent. To walk through each day with the intention of celebrating the birth of our savior. To intentionally stay in the moment of whatever I am doing. It is not the way that comes naturally. Often I am doing one thing while planning the next thing. You know what I mean...after I run to the mall I will wrap the presents...and then bake the cookies...and on and on and on. No this season I plan to slow down time.
I wander through the common's area of our church.
Boxes laying all around. I ask the ones who come each year to decorate. "Where is this tree going?" She shows me where the tree will go...explains how it will be the first tree those entering the church will see. She goes on to tell me how it will be decorated plainly this year...white lights and pine cones. Cones they have collected for just this reason.
She explains to me me that those who come to our church weekly for food. They probably cannot decorate their trees like those found in other areas of our church and they want them to feel comfortable.
The intention of simplicity all to honor those in need. It reminds me of the simple circumstances surrounding Jesus on the night of his birth. A pregnant Mary and Joseph in need. There they were away from home, no place to stay, and a baby coming.
The decorations at my house...they don't reflect simplicity or need...but I am in need.
Maybe I to will gather a few pine cones...an intention...reminding me of my need for a Savior.
