by Andrea Putting
The journey had just begun when from the back seats cam that all too familiar cry “Are we there yet?” The impatience of children just wanting to “be there”, to arrive already at the destination is something we all remember.
We all have those “are we there yet?” moments. In the midst of Christmas, we eagerly await the celebration, time with family or just the simple summer pleasures of having at least a few days off work. Time to rest and unwind. Are we there yet?
We become so focused on the destination, we don’t stop to enjoy the journey. Exploring something new and different, meeting new people, and the time spent pondering and planning what would make this season special for someone.
I have had to learn to stop and appreciate the journey. I have to look for new ways of sharing and giving. I have had the joy of taking my time to study, reflect, meditate to write and now to share. It is in this experience that I have come to recognise the celebration of the journey. I have often forgotten about the destination and trusted that instead I would be taken to the places that I need to be in and arrive at the destination wherever and however is the right way for me.
The advent season is very much about the journey. On one hand it is a time of rush and getting ready for that one destination- Christmas day. However, it is the journey of preparation of the birth of Christ within us that is important. Without the time of study, reflection and meditation, we just won’t be ready to accept the fullness of the season. We won’t be ready to receive that precious gift that is offered to us.
Without taking the time to celebrate and explore the journey, Christmas will once again come and go. It will have a few memories of rushed preparation and then some precious family time. However, what will it really me to you on your journey as a disciple. Will it deepen your faith, your understanding, your love of God? your relationship with the Christ within?
In all things, we are reminded to “seek ye first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). As we go about our Christmas preparation let this thought be in the front of your mind. Before you decorate, write your lists, send your Christmas messages to friends and families, before you go out shopping, and start preparing food, take some time to stop, reflect and meditate on the birth of Christ in your life. Welcome-in the “babe Christ” to journey with you.
Celebrate the journey and see the gift that it brings.
Wising you, and your family, a joyous Christmas season and celebration - Andrea
Andrea Putting lives in Melbourne and currently serves on the Saints Care Ltd. Board and as the Victoria Cluster Leader. She is an author, speaker and business soul mentor with a passion of social mission. She is also the founder of the Chocolate and Coffee Day for Religious Harmony.