Monday, Dec 2, 2024
“I’m Not Late. Neither Are You!”
It seems late, doesn’t it? Only two days into the Christmas Season and we are already just 23 days away from the big day. Thanksgiving was exceptionally late this year, shortening our Holiday Season by nearly a week.
But no matter. Although it feels late, we’re right on time. Thanks to Amazon and other retailers’ next-day delivery service, those of us who are last-minute shoppers still have plenty of time to figure things out. If only Amazon would use some other wrapping paper than those mesh bags. I’ve tried to find other uses for Amazon’s gift bags but have yet to discover anything meaningful to do with them other than save them for some unknown future use.
Oh, excuse me. I got sidetracked. That happens sometimes, but it happens all the time during the holidays. “Squirrel!”, and I’m off running to the next thing. I’m easily distracted! Though I have tools to help keep me focused (Airpods and Heavy Metal music with volume cranked), staying productive this time of year is challenging because there’s so much to see and do.
There I go again. I wanted to write a little devotion about Christmas shopping, but here I am philosophizing about the way my brain works. The same thing happens when I try to find some intentional time to pray, journal, or enjoy some silence with God. I get so distracted that I easily miss my private time with God. My intentions are really good but it’s very difficult to follow through with all of it.
St. Paul says a little something that I relate to this, “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” (Romans 7:15, ESV)
As I advance in maturity (age), I have begun to recognize the problems before they occur, so in some ways, I’m able to withstand or fend off my tendencies to be distracted. That’s what is happening right now and that’s why I’ve been writing daily Advent (and Lenten) Devotions every season for many years. I try to lean into the Holiday Seasons with a little more intention so that I can develop some good, healthy habits and further develop my relationship with the LORD.
This shortened Christmas Season feels late but it is not. My best life might feel late, but in reality, I’m right on time. God has given me today and the rest of this Holiday Season. No matter what happened a few months ago or during a lifetime full of screw-ups, the LORD has granted me this time so that I can do something good and healthy with it. Can I stay focused? Yes, I can, notwithstanding the Heavy Metal ringing in my ears right now. God has lots of ways to get through to me if I’ll slow down long enough to recognize them.
“For God alone, my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.” (Psalm 62:5, NRSV)