As I am in the midst of new beginnings, gathering my gumption to make changes, this Advent Devotional has bean a daily blessing to my soul. For the past many years my friend Karen has given me an Advent devotion book, but this one has met me in the exact place I inhabit today.
This is the story of woodland creatures and how they adapt to darkness and cold as winter sets in. It is my story, my journey these past two years as I was shrouded in the blight of emotion. It is my story of survival in the midst of loss. The author draws our attention to the woodland creatures as they descend into darkness, but return to new beginnings. It is giving me a new perspective and hope in my path.
This book was written by a 'mama' for her children. She began by making an Advent calendar in the hopes her drawings and stories would depict for her children the humming of all creatures and the essential rhythms of their lives. She went on to write down the stories (in this book) wanting each door of her calendar to reveal a sense that Advent is about darkness... and hope and fear and hope and loss and hope...
And truly, that is my story. Each creature here has something to teach me.
I loved Day 7, the story of the chipmunk. As the chipmunk compulsively packs his cheek pouches with nuts and seed, I have been gathering up determination and courage. The chipmunk is relentless, never quite sure when enough is enough. I filled my heart with hope, until finally, one day, it was clear to me that the only way to find 'me' was to recalibrate. With heart beating fast, I made a decision.
gathering -
i am in a season of gathering
my courage
my determination
my discipline
my hope
i am gathering from the sun and the wind
i am gathering from family and friends
i am gathering from my memories of russ
i embrace them
as they bring me warmth
in this season of chill and change
there is a vastness to it all
and i wrap myself in the assurance
of its presence and love
i reach towards forgiveness
hope
and a chance
to sooth my heart
i wish to share my awakened heart
but first i must find ‘me’
i am in a season of gathering.