Day 26: Quiet
Editor’s Note: On this twenty-sixth day of our Advent blog series “Hidden Joys,” FMS’ Program Director Emily Norton shares a poem she wrote about the holy waiting, quiet, and sacred preparation of a personal Advent season she is experiencing in her life right now.
How stunned I am
As I realize God’s invitation for me
A personal Advent season
During this life journey of mine
Similar to the December one,
There are temptations to become lost
“to do” lists galore
logistical gymnastics
lots and lots of details
All disguising the true way forward!
Mental chatter that goes on and on…and on
“I should”s morph into beastly “I need to”s
Quiet!
Quiet the mind
Quiet the internal expectations
Quiet the societal pressures
Beautiful spaces glisten in their places
Spaces to sit and be
Awaken!
Awaken the heart
Awaken the divine in-dwelling
Awaken the deep well of true wisdom
There I rediscover my true invitation
My personal Advent
A sacred season of my life
of sacramental preparation
of holy waiting
of wonder
Like Mary’s original “advent,”
God invites me into complete unknown
no date
no location
no known specifics
The only known I need is the one I have
The incredible gift of God’s unconditional love
strengthening me
comforting me
guiding me
Into the unknown territory, into mystery
I quiet my mind again and again … and again
To awaken my heart
And prepare my soul for unifying wholeness
I try to let go of my fears,
As I discern the Holy Spirit’s leadings
And trust!
Trust in the Trinity
Trust in the Divine Mystery that beckons
Trust in the beauty of the journey that awaits
It is there where Love’s joys hide
Reflection: While the Advent season is coming to a close and Christmas is nearing, take time to reflect on how God might be inviting you to see Advent as a metaphor for your life right now? What part of your life do you need to embrace with a sense of holy waiting and sacred preparation? How might Mary be a teacher for you as you prayerfully approach this life season?
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