Together on the Journey:
A Weekly Blog 

This time of year, I start to feel the pull of the busy season. Today, I met with church staff to review our plans for the Advent and Christmas seasons, and just like that, I feel like I will blink and it will be December.

And if my instinct is correct, then this pull of the busy season is not unique to ministry. It happens to all of us. With the first Christmas ad we hear, the first display we see in stores, we can become aware of a pang of anxiety seemingly out of nowhere. Christmas is coming, and there is so much to do to get ready.

And while it might make sense to respond to this anxiety by making lists and plans and shopping, I’m going to invite you to pause. To take a deep breath, in and out. And then remember that there will be time for that later. For now, take a moment to look around. Here in Ontario, fall is in full swing. The air is getting crisp and the leaves are lovely. Winter will be here soon enough, but for now, breathe in the fall.

Last week, I modified the prayers of the people slightly and added the phrase ‘there is no need to rush’. My life can be filled with too much rushing. Always going from here to there, checking things off of my to-do list, but forgetting to breathe.

So this week, I invite you to pause and breathe with me. Right now. Take one full deep breath. And as you do, remember that Christmas will come eventually, but for now, there is fall. Amen.

– Jess