Advent: Sunday, First Week

November 27, 2011

Today's Advent act is to "foster the desire to seek and find Jesus." During Advent, we should be anticipating Jesus' arrival with a joyful, almost childlike, eagerness. Advent is one of my favorite seasons of the year, and I think it's because I enjoy that anticipation of Jesus' birthday. I look forward to the symbolic traditions of the season: special prayers and readings, the Advent wreath and candles that are lit one by one, even the change in the weather (though not TOO much change!)

What can I do to seek and find Jesus, especially during Advent? How do I make myself want to? I think that purposefully taking the time out of the day to read, reflect, pray, and even talk to someone about their reflections really helps to bring Jesus to the forefront of my life. However, it's easier said than done - and for me, living in Manhattan doesn't make it any easier. First, I have to make the time.  Though, I find that once I do quiet myself and get into the zone, I'm really happy that I did.  It ends up being a necessity of my day, not a luxurious self indulgence.  For example, just sitting and writing this blog entry gets me thinking about how I need seek and find Jesus.  So first, I've decided... I need to make the time.  I need to allow myself some quiet moments in the day to reflect. 

Next, I need to also remember that Jesus is not only found in the quiet moments of my day, but the noisy and busy ones as well.  This is when it's the hardest for me to remember to keep him front of mind.  So, what do I do when I'm stressed out walking down the sickeningly loud Manhattan streets, assisting one of my employees with a client issue, or rushing to JFK on Friday afternoon for a happy-go-lucky flight home to New Orleans?  I think this is where my (well-developed) patience kicks in.  This is where I try really hard not to turn around and grimace at a person who won't stay to the right on the sidewalk and runs me out the way.  Or, at the office when I've got 10 things on my plate and once with emails rolling in, and I smile and breathe through it and give my employee the guidance she needs and deserves.  Maybe that's something I've gotten down pat so far.  Maybe I am seeking and finding Jesus in my difficult moments when my patience is tested.  I have fostered this desire through much practice, I believe, and maybe I've realized that it actually works.  So, I suppose I rely on Jesus a lot in my times of stress.  Well, that solves that issues.  Now, we're left with the fun times of my day!

When I make it to JFK and hit the bar, my mind is so far away from Jesus.  Life is good!  I'm not particularly sad or hurting or in need.  This is where I need to exercise my desire to seek and find him in the joyful moments of my life.  I need to remember that not only does he console the hurting, but he also enables us to share in joy, peace, and happiness!  I think that next time I am feeling particularly happy, I'm going to make a specific point to remember Jesus and to find his blessing in  those good moments.  If I am healed in my quiet moments and in my bad moments, imagine the surplus of healing and happiness I would feel in my good moments!  :)

Recap - Foster the desire to seek and find Jesus.
1. Make quiet time for reflection.
2. Embrace patience and ask Jesus for help in difficult moments.
3. Embrace joyfulness and thank Jesus for his blessings.