For Christians, Advent is a time of waiting. During the darkest time and the shortest days of the year I am often met, surprisingly, with time on my hands. Anyone else notice this odd phenomenon? I feel it. It's strange, as our culture tells us we have so much to do, sometimes I find myself with more time to ruminate in the winter. The nights grow longer, days are cold and so we huddle indoors while the holidays loom in the distance, seemingly a far ways off.
How do we find patience to wait for the light? When things are darkest it is often difficult to imagine the light ever returning. But it always does. Year after year we are reminded of this by the repetition of the cycles of nature and the meaning we choose to impose on it. God's there in the dark and the light, loving us and inviting us to a closer, co-creative experience of that love.
Mr. Rogers had a song that he liked to sing on his popular children's television show. It went like this:
Let's think of something to do while we're waiting / While we're waiting / For something new to do / Let's think up a song while we're waiting / That's liberating / And will be true to you / Let's think of something to do while we're waiting / While we're waiting / Till something's through / You know it's really alright / In fact it's downright quite right / To think of something to do that's specific for you / Let's think of something to do while we're waiting.
I think dear Mr. Rogers was onto something. When things are darkest, we can still create. We can write a song, knit a sweater, paint a picture, write cards, wrap presents decorate, make a pot of soup.
Yesterday I did just that. I was feeling the darkness as the day was coming to a close and so I decided to make a big pot of soup. It was satisfying, edifying, warming and intentional.
How do you live into the darkest days of the year? What sustains you while you wait for the light to return?
Advent comes every year at this time.
Just in time.
Spirituality of Soup
How do we find patience to wait for the light? When things are darkest it is often difficult to imagine the light ever returning. But it always does. Year after year we are reminded of this by the repetition of the cycles of nature and the meaning we choose to impose on it. God's there in the dark and the light, loving us and inviting us to a closer, co-creative experience of that love.
Mr. Rogers had a song that he liked to sing on his popular children's television show. It went like this:
Let's think of something to do while we're waiting / While we're waiting / For something new to do / Let's think up a song while we're waiting / That's liberating / And will be true to you / Let's think of something to do while we're waiting / While we're waiting / Till something's through / You know it's really alright / In fact it's downright quite right / To think of something to do that's specific for you / Let's think of something to do while we're waiting.
I think dear Mr. Rogers was onto something. When things are darkest, we can still create. We can write a song, knit a sweater, paint a picture, write cards, wrap presents decorate, make a pot of soup.
Yesterday I did just that. I was feeling the darkness as the day was coming to a close and so I decided to make a big pot of soup. It was satisfying, edifying, warming and intentional.
How do you live into the darkest days of the year? What sustains you while you wait for the light to return?
Advent comes every year at this time.
Just in time.
Spirituality of Soup
Chilly, windy. Twilight settles early.
Hungry. Empty. Barren.
Awakening to longing; for wholeness, beauty, depth…God
Organize. Assemble. Chop.
Awakening to longing; for wholeness, beauty, depth…God
Organize. Assemble. Chop.
Large stock pot. EVOO, Onions, carrots, potatoes, beans, broth, spices…
Heat. Light. Fragrant aroma, colors, flavors, textures.
Waiting. Uncertainty. Hope. Faith.
Temptation: Insta Pot (still in box, unopened).
No, souls need practice. Let boil, then simmer…gently.
Waiting, letting go, trusting the process.
Grace, Peace, Stillness.
Breath.
Watching. Waiting. Impatient.
Reflection: Darkness eventually ends. Stay.
Tenderness, patience, compassion. Steam rises. Bell rings.
Worthy container. Open to receive.
Warmth fills, nourishes, sustains.
Creation! Gratitude! Redemption! Joy!
Recipe for a meaningful Advent: Commit, Prepare, Tend, Watch and Wait, Celebrate, Share, Repeat
XO,
Connie
