Get Ready
Nancy Carmichael / Director of Groups
As I write, it’s six days before Christmas. By the time you read this, however, we’ll be well into January; the holidays will be a distant, foggy memory and the world will be in full swing Resolution Maintenance Mode (at least for another week or two).
Right at this moment though all of that seems an eternity away, and all I can think of is how much there is to do to “get ready” for the big day.
It's like an annual tradition with me. Every year I tell myself “This time it will be different.” This year I won’t let the crazy creep up on me. I’ll slow down and actually enjoy the REASON for the season: You know, Jesus? God with us? The Peace that surpasses all understanding? Gratitude that prompts giving? Yeah, all that there. I assure myself, “This year I’ll be judicious in what I say yes to, and I won’t get caught up in all the things and tasks and running around doing lots of good deeds, but somehow in the course of it all forgetting WHY I’m doing them, thereby getting frazzled and missing the point. This year I will remember. This year I will be intentional.”
It's a great little pep talk. Inspirational, even. And like clockwork, it seems every year I have this moment of exhausted realization: Doh! It happened again! The crazy crept up on me. Again!
Yep, right now, as I write, this is where I am. Exhausted. And feeling a little bit duped by my own duplicity.
But the good news is, I still have six days to recalibrate. To be more intentional in what I do and how I do it. To “get ready” by slowing the pace of my heart. To glorify God and ENJOY Him RIGHT NOW and every moment leading up to, including, and after the “Big Day.” And I’ve gotta tell you, if I can actually do this, I’m thinking it’ll be a game changer.
And just in case you’re wondering why I’m telling you all this now, weeks and weeks later … it occurs to me that maybe, just maaaaybeeee, this might be a good way to approach this New Year? With a little recalibration. With a little intentionality. With a lot more enjoying His presence. And hopefully glorifying Him in the process. That’s how I want to “get ready” going forward.
So, if you see me, feel free to ask me how I’m doing. And if I ever seem a little frazzled, you have full-on permission to quote me back to me!
“A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”” Isaiah 40:3