My twisted mind had me thinking about this question this year. I’m usually ambivalent about Lenten observations. As Advent approached I resolved to make a personal discipline to sharpen my awareness. Rather than complain about the pressures and commercialization of Christmas I wanted to catch the quiet message of “God with us” in the midst of life as it is.

We sometimes feel like our heads will explode with all the inputs that come our way – demands come one after the other. Obligations, responsibilities and needs to meet all seem to shout loudest in our lives. But somewhere in all this is some good news – God is with us.

Take a few moments today, slow your breathing, sit back in your chair and inhale something of God’s presence. At a moment of complaint, frustration, anger, envy or impatience offer a word of gratitude – not because it makes the problem smaller or vanish altogether. Rather we remind ourselves that God is with us in the mess, offering strength, help and hope to persevere.

A Prayer for Today

God thank you for reminding me that I need your help. The needs and demands of life feel too much some days- give me a break I pray. You reply “Come to me you who carry heavy burdens, let me carry the load with you, and learn from me”. Make this Advent season a time for me to notice you alive in all the messiness of life…For Jesus’ sake