12.06.09
Advent Reflection - Week Two
I’ve always been a list-maker. And each year around this time-the hectic weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas- my lists begin to multiply, becoming itineraries filled with holiday-related specifics I aim to conquer before the 25th. And as always, with the satisfaction of checking one thing off comes the addition of three somethings more. I’m perpetually playing catch-up.
Throughout my Volunteer year my list making was at an all time high, and during Advent they emerged in rapid production. Added to my usual tasks of gifts, shopping, and Christmas cards, were pageant rehearsals, window decorations for 14 classrooms, and gift drives; all the while trying to balance the unique opportunities offered in sharing Advent with my community.
With the approach of each Advent season, I intend to make “prayer” a top priority on my list. However, prayer somehow falls short of making my agenda, let alone being at the top of my to-do’s. As I devote myself to my lists, I seldom find time to devote to prayer- especially in the mad dash that is the last few weeks before Christmas. Recently, somewhere in the holiday potpourri mix, a friend shared with me one of Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians. Paul suggests, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (Thes 5:16-18).
I realized that “prayer” was not a one-time entry I could check off my list, nor did I want it to be. Instead, I needed to make each point on my list prayerful. In doing so, prayer is no longer an objective, another task on my list I have to get done. Prayer becomes an awareness, a consciousness of making the daily, ordinary goings-on into extraordinary moments of grace. Achieving this constant prayerful state doesn’t happen overnight or even in a week- a pretty nice reason we’re given four to try.
Through the ins and outs of your lists- the exciting moments and the more challenging tasks - I challenge you to make each one prayerful. Just as it’s foolish, and somewhat impractical, to add “be ready” to our Christmas lists, preparing for Jesus’ coming also takes time and preparation. But striving towards an always prayerful mind and heart is a good place to begin.
Rebekah Callaghan
Lawrence ‘08-09
Rebekah is living in Havertown, PA with her family, where she is substitute teaching and assisting with music ministry at her parish while she pursues a future in art. As a Volunteer, Rebekah served at St. Mary School in Lawrence as a Pre-K Aid and Art Teacher.