Happy New Year!!!

This evening, as I walked into church I saw the Advent wreath and candle lit at the foot of the altar.  I was reminded about the importance of keeping watch and staying alert. Tonight it dawned on me that this weekend marked the beginning of the Advent season and a new liturgical year. Had I not been so caught up in my own issues and the day-to-day events of life I would have realized the importance of this time of year, and the importance of having Faith. Each year it seems that the Advent and Christmas seasons sneak up faster and faster. As a result, this time of year brings laughter and joy, while for other’s it brings back memories of Christmas’ pasts, or memories of those who cannot be with us because they are blessed to share Christmas with Christ himself everyday.

           This week I had been so caught up in my own little world, with the worries of work and day-to-day life that I failed to stop and see all the wondrous things God had laid before me. Being so caught up in my own world I had shut myself out from the peace and answers He was trying to show me. Yes, sometimes things don’t always work out the way it was plan or how or when we plan it, but then again life would have been a lot different if I had previously stuck to the original plan. When I try to take matters into my own hands I find myself so consumed and unhappy with what I have accomplished, that I am never satisfied. Had I not awakened from my senses I would have missed the beginnings of a new friendship, conversations with my students, and birthday celebrations. For as Luke 21:34 states:"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy." Which is why it is important for us not to become drowsy, but to take time out... even in the busiest moments of the day to recharge our batteries and have faith that there is nothing more (work, relationships, and the daily moments of life) that Christ can't handle. After all "Faith is a vital act; it commits one person to another forever...".

             No matter what the reason, the season of Advent and the season of Christmas are gentle reminders that Christmas is not about the worries, the wants, the money, the stress, and the presents. Instead, this season is a time to remind us that God is always with us; He is always present and constant in our lives, even when we aren't  No matter how much of our life we try to plan out, His plans are much greater than ours--- exceeding all my previous hopes and expectations. So, as this New Year begins I am going to make the resolution to do my best to keep the Faith--- through thick and thin. Yes, this past year wasn't everything I had hoped it would be. And while I wish I had a handsome earthly Prince to sweep me off my feet by now, there have been so many more blessings given to me by my heavenly prince that wouldn't have happened if I hadn't handed over the pen to Christ at the beginning of the year. To refuse Christ the opportunity to bless me in more ways than I could imagine, is like refusing a child to share in the spirit of Christmas. This past year I began the journey of becoming a foster parent, accomplished new challenges I had once ran away from, and rekindled my relationship with Christ and love. In the end, while things still didn't happen the way I planned, I have learned that it is important to remain vigilant and keep watch. For none of us know the hour or the time when God's blessings will bestow upon us. And if we fail to pay attention, we will miss out on the greatest gift of all. The Faith to believe there is something great, someone great out there for all of us... we just have to take a moment to slow down and listen. God will use our hearts to guide us where we need to be and show us what we need to do through His love and mercy for us!