(from the heart of Nancy Hendrickson)

I feel it. The way the minutes, hours, and days blow right on by me.

Without me noticing. Without me savoring.

But even deeper, I feel the kindness of God. He is inviting me to slow down and find him in this Christmas season. In this advent season. To not let it just come and go hidden beneath the shimmer and gifts and busyness.

He is good enough to help us find Him no matter what our daily rhythms look like.  His gaze slows our five minute break during the day and fills the minutes with more glory than we could imagine. His love whispers through the errand running and the morning commute. His peace reaches out in the family meals and teary nights.

He came. And He is here.

So I breathe deep and refuse shame and condemnation for where I am at the start of this  season. And inhale grace. No striving to prove to him my love and commitment to savoring. Just grace to learn and receive. He is a good teacher.

“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” – Matthew 6:6 (MSG)

Find a place to be with God. Grab your journal, piece of paper, phone, napkin or whatever you can get your hands on. Ask God what he has for you in this advent season. No pressure. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can. And write down what you hear him saying. Let’s begin this advent season by hearing the Father’s voice – it’s a worthwhile place to start.