Why is there always a storm before a rainbow? Or an awaited time in the desert before mana? A burdensome 9 months followed by labor for a baby? A cross before the resurrection? Our God likes to prepare our souls with suffering. Why do I always scream and try to run away from it then? Suffering is a preparation for a GIFT, whether that gift comes in 9 months, 10 years, or simply preparation for eternity. Advent is a time of great preparation, and why should I be surprised when God tries to prepare my soul for this beautiful gift with suffering?
Thank you for sending little sufferings my way, Lord! Over a week of throwing up children, endless wiping of noses and behind's, unusually naughty boys, a Daddy a week out of town, the constant fights ending in bite marks and scratches, teething baby, sleepless nights. With this, help me prepare for your coming! And put a CALM in my heart despite the storm.
Oh but I thank you for the gift of those little noses and cheeks. Those yummy boys. And a Daddy blessed with work who makes me laugh and forget my woes. A sweet baby girl to rock to sleep. A pillow to sleep on. Help me to see the beauty in suffering. Because that suffering leads me to you: a baby in a manger, the prince of PEACE. All this waiting is well worth it.
We await you with great anticipation. Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel! Ransom captive house Simpson.
And despite the yelling and screaming going on at our house, we like to end our day in SILENCE and on a good note. If you want to say some goodnight prayers with us, tune in to John and Dominic's special: Advent prayers with John and Dominic
In the silence of a midwinter dusk, there is far off in the deeps of it somewhere a sound so faint that for all you can tell it may be only the sound of silence itself. You hold your breath to listen. you walk up the steps to the front door. The empty windows at either side of it tell you nothing, or almost nothing. For a second you catch a whiff in the air of some fragrance that reminds you of a place you've never been and a time you have no words for. You are aware of the beating of your heart. The extraordinary thing that is about to happen is matched only by the extraordinary moment just before it happens. Advent is the name of that moment.- Frederick Buechner
