Waiting Update

Turns out it doesn't normally take 4 hours to examine a newborn. The baby fell out of her car seat on the way into the appointment and they were watching to make sure she was OK before releasing her. Thankfully she seems fine. And I'm glad I waited for this young mother, whose own mother died a few years back.

Waiting

John Lennon said "Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans." I wonder what to call what happens to you when you're "busy" waiting for someone?

Efficiency experts suggest one should always have something available to do. I don't always have that foresight, and even when I do, I find waiting distracting. Expecting someone to show up at any moment really interferes with my focus. I could always using waiting time to pray, but sitting in a waiting room with a TV truly inhibits prayer. And I keep thinking that the person I brought to the doctor should be done any minute. Does it really take 3 hours to examine a newborn? Did I really agree to do this during my busiest week of the year?

When this is over, it would be great if I could see some overarching purpose for my time that seems to be wasted in a week with too little time. But I have a feeling it will just be chalked up to a ride needed, nothing more noble or earthshattering than that.

Advent is about waiting. The Israelites waited centuries for the Messiah, then most of them missed the moment. I hope I don't miss Jesus showing up.

Meanwhile, I think someone's car needs a jump...who knows...just maybe...

Grateful

For the last year I have written in my gratitude journal daily (with only a few misses)three things I am grateful for. Some days the three items flow easily. Other days I have to stretch a bit...but I shouldn't really, because even on rough mornings, that follow difficult days, the basic blessings of life still exist: breathing, grace, God's love, the list is endless really.

The discipline of choosing three things daily teaches me to pay attention. To resist taking for granted the ways of God in my life. To notice the daily consistent ministrations of the Spirit. And for this, I am profoundly grateful.

I once tried to stop complaining. I didn't get very far. So now, this positive approach, instead of omitting complaints, add praise. I have to be honest that the praise has not yet overridden the complaints entirely, but praise is gaining. May another year of practice bring a greater improvement. God make it so.

Opening Doors

In their preference for equality, my daughters prefer not to have men open doors for them. But separate from gender traditions, we all have moments we need that kind of help.

Last night my husband came home from a party where the attendees donated gifts for City Gospel Mission's Christmas Store. He asked me to come down and open the door for him so he could carry in the huge box of toys. He could have figured out another way, but it was a whole lot easier to have me open the door.

John the Baptist was a door opener for Jesus. Jesus could have opened his own door, he is the Master of the Universe. But it made a lot of sense to have John's help in preparing the people to hear the good news.

I enjoy opening doors for people, especially moms with strollers. At this time of year it's common to see someone with their hands full struggling with a door. Opening doors can be a simple kindness offered.

As Christmas nears we can also like John look for ways to open the door for Jesus into people's lives. Kind deeds coupled with a word about the coming Christ can bless the harried shopper or harrassed colleague. As you're out and about this season, look for door opening opportunities.