As I sit in my office on this chilly fall day, I find myself filled with both gratitude and hope. Both of these feelings are incredibly timely as the ever-shortening days begin their slip towards the winter holidays.

I don’t know about all of you, but in this season, it feels like I can slip a bit too. Holding three jobs, two children, and one’s own self intact in the midst of the trimmings and the trappings, the baubles and the busy, the gobbles and the goodies… sometimes my spirit’s vista can become a little hazy. Sometimes I fail to reach the lofty goals I set for myself. And sometimes, even in this season, I fail to see.

As the holidays become complicated, it can become easy to not notice the simple things, the beautiful things that surround us daily:

-A child’s smile upon seeing a holiday display

-A stranger’s, “No, you go ahead” in line

-A plate of cookies shared with a loved one

-An extra can or meal purchased for another

Paying attention to such things, striving to notice such things, centers us. And choosing to do them ourselves redeems us.

For the Christians among us: Advent and Christmas have historically been seasons of gratitude and hope, as we await the arrival of that tiny baby of Bethlehem. For all of us: In this season of waiting (whether we are waiting for Jesus, or just some rest and calm in our days), perhaps there is something simple we can do to share gratitude and hope. It need not be loud or showy—the most beautiful things are not. Love can be lived quietly.

In this season, I wish all of you every blessing. May your ministries be ones filled to the brim with hope, simplicity, and gratitude. And may that spirit fill you with purpose when threatened by the slip towards the chaos.

With you on the journey,

Rev. Dr. Jill