Week 198
Positive post Sunday, December 6, 2020- Week 198.
Time sure flies. We’re already entering the second week of Advent, a season of the liturgical year where Christians expectantly wait and prepare for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas. Each Advent I receive a blessing from Loyola Press, a series of short daily emails that are packed with simple, reflective and inspirational messages that help me prepare for the celebration of the coming of our Lord.
This year’s theme is Advent A to Z and the December 4th edition focuses on the letter F. Here’s the message, “We know for a fact that the Holy Family had no reservations, so Joseph had to do some quick thinking. Flexibility is the first ingredient to lowering holiday stress. This Christmas expect the unexpected, say a little prayer to St. Joseph, and go with the flow. When things turn upside down, you’ll smile and not frown.” This is excerpted from 5 Things with Father Bill by William Byrne.
Now in our 10th month of living through the pandemic, one might say that we have been experiencing the unexpected or unimaginable. I don’t know about you, but my ability to demonstrate FLEXIBILITY and improvise has certainly been challenged during these unprecedented times. And now, as we prepare for Christmas, a joyous but very busy and stressful time, I pray to St. Joseph that I may learn from him and act with the same patience and humility he modeled on that very special evening when he reduced the stress by being FLEXIBLE. May I have the strength to be FLEXIBLE and the mindfulness to be responsible during this holiday season, and most importantly, stray focused on the reason for the season.
How will you be FLEXIBLE like the Holy Family this holiday season to help reduce stress and stay focused on the reason for the season?