Friday, December 3, 2021

Spiritual Journey Thursday: Waiting

Chris is hosting Spiritual Journey Thursday this month. She provided a one word prompt for us, "waiting" with a side of "hope".

I did not grow up in a spiritual tradition that observed Advent. But I'm interested in learning more from my friends. I've intentionally forced myself to "wait" to read your posts until I've written mine (with one exception). I did read Chris's post, our host for this month. What a gift Chris gave us with her lovely poems!  

I read an article I found on the internet, "Three Characteristics of Advent Waiting" by Marina Berzins McCoy. Her explanation of the special ways that we wait during Advent was simple, to the point, and provided room for reflection: "1. Advent waiting is expectant. 2. Advent waiting requires making space.          3. Advent waiting is hopeful."

When Chris mentioned that she was reading Henry Nouwen's essay "Waiting for God" in the book Watch for the Light, I remembered that I had this book on my shelf of Christmas books. As I read Nouwen's essay, I was touched by his observation that all the people in the early pages of the gospel of Luke are waiting: Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary, and Simeon and Anna. Mary and Elizabeth came together creating "...space for each other to wait." Nouwen goes on to say that he thinks of this coming together as "...the model of the Christian community.  It is a community of support, celebration, and affirmation in which we can lift up what has already begun in us."

I feel blessed to participate in Spiritual Journey Thursday with a community of fellow believers. I am grateful for the support I feel in this community as we write together and explore spiritual topics each month. I celebrate our coming together and affirm that I always learn from each of you. And now I'm off to read your posts and learn more about waiting during this season of Advent. I'm sure to be lifted up!

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Slice of Life: Thanksgiving Week!

I haven't posted much recently, but Thanksgiving week was filled with love and laughter and sweet times. We met our son and family in St. George, UT for a few days of fun and sun before Thanksgiving.

Snow Canyon State Park on Sunday


 
Zion National Park on Monday
 
 
Swearing-in of our newest NPS Junior Ranger!

And then it was back home to celebrate Thanksgiving with daughter and her family. Sara loved finding time to work on a quilt and doing a 500 piece puzzle on Friday. Both are rare treats for a mother of three boys, ages four and under.

Grandpa managed to celebrate his birthday twice during his birthday week, 
once in Utah and once in Washington.

He had help blowing out the candles on both occasions.

Both visits included a trio of sweetness filling our days and laps with joy.

Truly there's nothing grander!

Our Utah grands!

Our Washington grands!