Advent Word 2018, Day 13 – “Prune”
I collect stuff.
And I collect the stuff that makes the stuff I collect work in case the stuff breaks.
Now I have stuff that makes stuff work for stuff I no longer own.
At the risk of cribbing the rest of George Carlin’s famous routine, I’m painfully aware that a minimalist lifestyle has escaped me no matter how attractive it seems. Over time, I’ve learned to remove the stuff I no longer need or use instead of keeping things in reserve in case they’re needed one day.
My mind is like that too. I can easily recall the 1973 New York Mets roster and tell you that former reliever George Stone had a 12-3 record that year. It’s stuff that has accumulated in my mind although good for you, Mr. Stone. As I embarked on my quest to write an Advent journal this year, I wondered if it would bring sharper focus to Advent and my relationship with God. I’m thrilled that it’s done both, allowing me to prune away a sitcom or social media period in favor of thinking about God, me, the world, and our relationship.
And I spent more time reading through the Book of Common Prayer, which is really good stuff.
O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.