But why? Why do I pummel you over the head with reflections, slowing down, enjoying the season? In case it's not obvious, it's because I struggle with it all the time. I need the nudges and reminders that life is a full and glorious thing - in good times and in bad. In peaceful moments and in moments of frenzy.
And!
Because I love Advent!
I loved it when I was in grade school at St. Jude of the Lake, when we would have candle lighting times in the hall and sing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel..." and I loved the rich and beautiful time of delicious waiting the sisters created at Vis. And now, I love to have this time of sacred reflection and preparation.
The theme I chose this year is presence. How can we be present to the moment with the swirls of celebration, family, work, gifts, parties, etc. all around? Even when we're not part of all of those things -- the world around us is certainly in motion.
There are four Sundays in Advent, and each week of Advent has an ecumenical theme -- Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. I try to include entries that celebrate the theme, and connect to the overall idea of presence. Some days I hit, and some days I miss. And some days I don't post. But I will try to every day.
So today, on this first day of Advent, I am away celebrating 18 years of partnership with dearest Matt. Our wedding program on November 29, 1996 included this Japanese translation of Psalm 23 - it was "...our gift to you this Holiday Season...." I am not sure where it came from beyond where I found it: in the drawer of my Mom's desk, written in calligraphy on parchment paper. It just seemed fitting to share with all of our guests who were coming. And on that day 18 years ago, while it was first raining, then sleeting, then snowing...it was a good thing to share when everyone arrived after navigating freeways and streets paved in ice. (Thank you again for coming, those of you who did!) I have shuffled pronouns around a bit from how we originally published it.
Enjoy the psalm, and enjoy this year's blog. I am thrilled you are along for the ride!
Psalm 23 - A Japanese Translation
The lord is my pacesetter
I shall not rush
She makes me stop and rest
for quiet intervals.
She provides me with the images of stillness
which restore my serenity
The lord leads me in ways of efficiency
through calmness of mind
and this guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things
to accomplish each day, I will not fret,
for God's presence is here
Her timelessness, her all-importance
will keep me in balance.
The lord prepares me for retirement and
refreshment in the midst of my
activity by anointing my mind
with oils of tranquility
My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness
shall be the fruit of my hours.
For I shall walk in the pace of my lord
to dwell in God's house
forever.
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| 11/29/96 |
