Advent and Oxygen
“Encourage one another”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Every year I pray that Christmas will "come," not just on the calendar, but also in my heart. Amidst the shopping, cooking, addressing cards, attending events- the hurry, scurry, and flurry of the season; the sensory overload and muchness of our modern holiday season -I pray that somewhere God will come and meet me where I am. Not just where I am physically, but also where I am emotionally and spiritually. I pray the prayer, hoping to experience the reality of Christmas- "Immanuel - God with us"- and then watch and impatiently wait. I'm never quite sure when that moment will come or, even worse, will I miss it when it does?
Christmas actually came for me about two weeks before Thanksgiving even arrived. It arrived in my mailbox when I opened a package from my friend Teresa. Inside was a sweet written note of encouragement and a small business card that read, “You were seen caring for James Bruce.” My friend’s note went on to explain that best-selling author Karen Kingsbury launched the “You were seen” program earlier this year to acknowledge those faithfully serving others. The printed words “You were seen” were then followed by a blank line to be completed as needed. Teresa had carefully filled in the blank with the words: “caring for James Bruce.”
Author John Maxwell once wrote, “Encouragement is oxygen to our souls; everyone needs it and they perform better when they get it….It (Encouragement) costs little to affirm others, yet pays great dividends.”
I was so touched that my friend went to such a great deal of effort to encourage me in our 36- year special needs parenting journey with James Bruce. The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but it has been particularly difficult for special needs caregivers as most adult residential, day service, and community programs continue to be on hold. The result is 24/7 caregiving with limited options for respite for us or recreation for James Bruce.
I was about to throw away the big outside envelope when I noticed that something else was enclosed. Reaching down I pulled out a small red box labeled “Advent Tea Bags.” Inside the box were 25 assorted tea bags, each one labeled with December 1-25; an Advent Scripture verse for that day; and a suggested random act of kindness.
Humbled, I literally wept and laughed with the joy of Teresa’s kindness and generosity. Her gift will be one that continues to give throughout the Advent season. Joy and encouragement will be multiplied with each day’s reminder. But my Advent tea box wasn’t just a gift from Teresa; it was instead a personal affirmation that God is indeed with us. Just the week before I had taken a morning to write handwritten notes to encourage each woman in my weekly small group Bible study. Now God was using someone to encourage me. Jesus’ words in Luke 6:38 came to my mind and heart: “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
All of us need some oxygen for our souls especially as we close out 2020. Wherever you are today, someone needs your encouragement, your affirmation, or your “Attagirl!”. Who do you see faithfully serving others? Who will you affirm and encourage this Advent season? May God give us all eyes to see with hearts and hands that are quick to obey.
Merry Christmas!
Donna