Everything slows down a little bit and it's quiet and serene. The cars aren't rushing to and fro quite as much and there is a peacefulness that seems to fill the space where traffic, people, and busyness once were. People still have there places to go and people to see- but when it snows, they are forced to do it at a much slower pace. Which I like- makes you stop and think a little bit.
Perhaps that's why my daily commute to work is good for me- instead of jumping into my vehicle and speeding off to work; I can trudge to work in snow, rain, or sunshine and then spend 20 minutes sitting on the bus daydreaming or just gazing at the scenery. How often do we sit back and just give ourselves some time to think and breath? I think it's a good challenge especially with how chaotic and noisy life can get and with the holidays upon us.
I picked up an Advent meditation guide at church the other day and have decided to read through each day until Christmas. The writings are from Henri Nouwen and I would like to share today's with you. In fact, it surprisingly ties in with what I was just talking about. Often times I feel like I only remember Advent when it's Sunday and then to forget to celebrate throughout the week. (And hopefully this isn't illegal to post something I didn't write...)
Do We Fill Empty Places To Avoid God?
Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. Revelation 3:20
The waiting, watching, and serving we are called to demands that we become seers, people who discern the coming of God in our midst and in our world. Is there a space in our life where the Spirit of God has a chance to speak or act or show up? Being contemplative means peeling off the blindfolds that keep us from seeing his coming in us and around is, and learning to listen in the spaces of quiet we leave for God.
I once spent time walking in New York City. I noticed most places were filled up, with much crowded into every corner! We seem to have a fear of empty spaces. We want to fill up what is empty. Perhaps our fear is that an empty space means that something may happen to us that we cannot predict, that is new, that leads us to a place we might not what to go. I might not want to hear what God has to say.
O God, help us nurture empty spaces in our lives so that we may be filled with your grace and peace.
(Credit: Advent Meditations from the writings of Henri Nouwen: Living in Hope)
I don't think I could have said it better. I hope that I can embrace empty spaces in my life and slow down enough to let God in.
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