What do you want to do? It seems like a simple enough question. But I’ve found it can be really hard to answer. I started intentionally asking this question 15 years ago when I began practicing sabbath. I started claiming a full day for myself for sabbath rest(oration) and then I’d wake up on those mornings and ask, “What do I want to do?”
Maybe you have more motivation or clarity than I do, but I struggled to answer that question. What did I want to do? Really want to do? Not have to do. Not think I should do. But genuinely want to do. It varied from week to week. Sometimes I wanted to read, sometimes sleep, sometimes watch a movie, sometimes go for a hike, sometimes do some yard work, sometimes cook a meal. It wasn’t one clear answer every sabbath. I had to learn to listen to my spirit and discern what would be fulfilling and fruitful.
As we’ve planned for worship this Advent we’ve talked about moving from scared to sacred—looking at rejecting all of the expectations that surround us and claiming the things that make Advent truly holy. That practice begs the question, what do you want to do this Advent? For decorating? For baking or cooking? For time with family? For community events? For gift-giving? What do you actually want to do? I’m sure the answers will vary for each of us, and they may be different for you this year than they’ll be next year. There’s no singular right answer. Really, there isn’t. I promise. Though it’s a shame to think that we’ve been cultured to believe there is—lights on the house, a tree decorated in the living room, family recipes in the oven, presents wrapped and beautiful (and likely expensive). But that isn’t it. That isn’t Christmas. Doing the things we feel we have to doesn’t generally draw us closer to the holy.
But slowing down to listen to what we want to do for ourselves and for others just might draw us closer to God. (It also helps if we honor what we feel, which can be its own challenge). But if you dare, I invite you to take some time to slow down and ask yourself, “What do I want to do to prepare for and celebrate Christmas this year?” And wait and see what comes to mind. Then maybe slow down and ask again tomorrow, and again the next day. You aren’t likely to have all the answers on the first shot, but it’s worth practicing and listening and honoring the way God’s Spirit speaks to and leads your spirit.
May you have the courage to ask the question and ears to hear the answer!
Happy Advent.
In Christ
Pastor Debbie