“We live in a world that preaches a gospel of exhaustion.” Terry Hershey
“Every increased possession loads us with a new weariness.” John Ruskin
“The sacred is in the ordinary.” Abraham Maslow
I’m not sure there’s much more I should add for this week. If we examine them, there’s a whole Advent sermon in those quotations.
The gospel of exhaustion reaches us from every ad in the newspaper insert, on TV, the radio, and your phone, not to mention the list of parties and programs to mark the season. I think the title of that sermon is “should,” because it’s implied that not to shop, plan, and participate will mean we disappoint someone.
Most of us, if we are really honest, do not need increased possessions. We may even have to make room in the storage unit for them, and that’s a hassle. The last thing we need is more hassle. What do you really need for Christmas? A job? Your brother to leave the drugs alone? Your kids to have a dad that comes home nights? A starter for your car so you can get to work? A nap, a phone call, a hug, a prayer, a ride to your chemo appointment? A roof that doesn’t leak? We all have enough weariness; what we need are tokens of love, some hope, and the courage to ask for help instead of increased possessions, which is what people shop for when they don’t know how to help, or want to pretend that trinkets will heal a hole in the heart.
The sacred ordinary is right under our noses, which is why we don’t realize it’s sacred. Jars of homemade pickles, jam, and salsa from the kitchens of my kids, an afghan crocheted by my cousin’s arthritic hands, an ornament made by one of the grandkids, the plate of cookies brought over by a neighbor, or the sound of a shovel on the walk I haven’t had time to scoop yet.
The beginning of wisdom is knowing when to let well enough alone, so I’m out of here. Meet me here next week, and meanwhile, do your best to notice the sacred gifts in your life.