Tis the season...to be overwhelmed? Just looking at our Gloria Dei calendar shows many opportunities for service, learning, community, and growth. But I caution: Watch out for overload during the Christmas season. Culturally, December is a smorgasbord of festivities: freshly-strung Christmas lights, holiday parties, trips to the tree farm, and more! Here at Gloria Dei, too, there is much to do, like our Advent Tea and Advent Fest, Blue Christmas, our children’s program, and Cantata event. Frankly, I love this season for all that is happening--and how fun much of it is! But how do we keep from getting so depleted? The idea isn't to refrain from doing what you love; the aim is to invest your time and energy intentionally, into things that nourish and encourage you, so you wake up Christmas morning feeling renewed and fully present. I'll share with you some of the goals I'm working toward this season: Seek God in a new way. Ready to start a new morning quiet time with scripture by candlelight? Want to start an evening walk with God, savoring the changing sky overhead? Feeling the nudge to find a prayer partner for accountability? Try it! When you say you don't have time to do something, pause and consider. Sometimes, when I think, "Oh, I don't have time for this," it means I have neither time nor interest. I'm not feeling within it an invitation from God. I pray we'll make time for what may be the powerful moments of connection and politely skip the others. Choose a way to give back that feeds your soul. There are many, many causes in the community worthy of your investment of time or resources--places where God's love is being shared abundantly and tangibly. Ring bells for the Salvation Army, support Neighbor for Neighbor, volunteer to drive for Faith in Action, call someone who is alone. In the midst of the busy-ness, hold fast to spiritual rhythms that keep you whole. These might include prayer, worship, and time in small groups. Do you really want to make Sunday worship? What does it look like for you? How can you safeguard it as things get busier? I hope you give yourself permission to choose well how you spend yourself this season. Whatever you choose, may it give you life--and may you show up fully within it. These two things--life and presence--are vital pieces of "preparing the way" for love to be born, right here and now. Psalm 5:11 ~ Oh Lord, let all of us who take refuge in you be glad, let us sing for joy, protect us that we may rejoice in You. Have a very blessed Advent season and Merry Christmas!