Advent…Presence and Waiting

At any given moment over the last ten years, I’ve know exactly how far away our next vacation is. We always have a countdown on our refrigerator. Every weekend, after I clean up from our pancake breakfast, I happily erase the old and scribe the new, lower number.

Recently, I’ve started to include AE in the ritual. As we write the number, we travel in our minds eye. We imagine, we daydream, we anticipate. All of which are enjoyable! But, after a few moments, my toddler snaps back to the present and wants to play – here and now, in this moment.

Boy, do I need her call for presence. Without it, I’m liable to miss today as I eagerly focus all of my attention and energy upon that which I am waiting for.

If I really believe that waiting is preparatory, then I must choose to be present. There’s a fine line between healthy anticipation and complete distraction. When I’m distracted, I miss out on the gift of this moment.

This Advent, I’m waiting, anticipating. But, I’m also soaking in the present moment. I’m breathing in all that life has for me as I wait.

I wonder what you’re waiting for. Do you find it difficult to be present as you wait?

P.S. This post is part of an Advent series on waiting. You can find other posts in the series here.