Finding Calm in Hectic Seasons

It's started again. As I write this article, although it is October, signs of Christmas are everywhere. And it's not just in the marketplace. Plans are underway at church for all that we will do to celebrate the season. We've laid out plans for special worship services, additional Christian education programs, resources to write and distribute, and meals to be cooked and eaten. In addition, the family is buzzing. What will we do with extended family? Where will we be? What is required? There are work dinners and music programs and service projects. Already I'm tired. What about you?

And yet, we all seem to know that it shouldn't be this way. Advent, by its very nature, is a time to reflect on what life would have been like without the gift from God of Jesus. It's a time to anticipate the coming of light, but still be in the midst of darkness.

In order to lead in our congregations, we do know that we have to find the time to be calm ourselves. Otherwise, our words of caution to congregation members will seem empty and hollow.

In the midst of the busyness, there are ways to find calm and times of restfulness within the season. 

• Mark out at least half a day for yourself every week. Put on your calendar, "meeting." You don't have to say it's a meeting with yourself to keep a calm and joyful spirit. But if anyone asks, you aren't available. You already have a meeting!
  
• Read a children's book each week. It doesn't take long, and it lightens the spirit.
  
• Join with others for an Advent study. Set aside a few minutes each day for reflection and study. Gather weekly so that together you can remind one another to be faithful to the spirit of the season.
  
• Sing often and loudly. I do believe that the reason we are told to make a joyful noise is because it is so freeing to the spirit. Tired of Christmas carols? Sing other hymns or songs of praise.
  
• Look back through photo albums. Remember those who are no longer with you this holiday season. Give thanks for how they have enriched your life.
  
• Give yourself a gift. A colleague taught me this lesson. She said she always gave herself a Christmas gift because she valued herself! What a wonderful attitude. Value yourself enough to include you on your gift list!

How will you help foster a climate of calm in the midst of this busy season? Ask yourself:

• What quiet places do we have in our church buildings where people of all ages can rest and reflect?
  
• Where are the designated "No Church Activities" days in the midst of lots of programming? If we don't have them, what does that say about our concept of Sabbath and renewal?
  
• What resources for small group study and individual reflection will we provide?

MaryJane Pierce Norton is Team Leader for Family, Life Span, & Latino Ministries at GBOD

	For further reading:

Child of the Light: Walking Through Advent and Christmas by Beth A. Richardson (Upper Room Books, 2005)

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