Awaiting

A lot of times I feel like life is just one big waiting game.

Waiting to be able to be in the car without a car seat.
Waiting to be old enough to get my ears pierced.
Waiting for 8th grade to be confirmed.
Waiting to drive so I don't have to get the "oh you're a freshmen" pity look. :)
Waiting to grow up.

Waiting, waiting, waiting.

But in sometimes we get so wrapped up in the waiting and anticipation that we don't fully understand what we are waiting for.

When I was younger I was so set on dreaming and waiting to be older so I could shop alone with my friends and start to drive and babysit and all those "older kid" things, that I forgot to take in and appreciate what I had. If I could tell younger me one thing, it would be "enjoy this while it lasts. It gets better, but it also gets a heck of a lot harder."

Advent is a season of waiting- yes. But it is not a season of dormant waiting or lazy waiting. We must be alive, ready, active! Jesus is coming, are we prepared?

I myself have been a victim of being so wrapped up in getting Christmas presents and decorating my room and going ice skating that I totally get on the wrong track. Yeah, I know it's about Jesus, but do I also know that it's just as much about me and Jesus? After all, Jesus came into the world for one purpose- to die for me. Advent is a time to grow closer to Jesus in order to meet Him. Just like after an engagement you don't get married the next day! It is months, maybe even years until the couple actually performs the sacrament of marriage. During that time of engagement, the couple reflects on what they are about to enter into, and in the same way should we ponder over the meaning of the first coming of Christ!

I am going to be frankly honest and say that I've slacked this Advent. But it's not too late; it's never too late. If you guys are like me and just waiting for Christmas, don't just wait! Prepare your hearts by reading Scripture. Love even more by baking cookies for a neighbor. Appreciate what you have by spending time with your family.

I pray that everyone has a blessed Christmas! :) Hopefully I will be able to post more regularly now that I am getting in the swing of things. Merry Christmas!

All through Christ,
Maddie