The Joy of Anticipation

December arrives chock-a-block full of bright decorations and sensual delights: Nutcracker ballets, Hanukkah latkes, and Christmas cookies. For many years, my spiritual direction group decided not to meet during December because it is “just too busy.” This year, however, our group noticed that we need to meet in December more than ever.

I am surprised by my desire to come together and reflect on God’s movements in our lives during a month when we ordinarily do not meet. Because of our commitment, I am more awake to the holiday hubbub that already overwhelms my senses. I confess that my contemplative practices often get placed on hold until the new year because “I’m just too busy.”

It’s tempting to succumb to shiny object syndrome in December. You know, the tinsel and tag sales that distract us from truly entering the sacred season of darkness and unknowing. Our culture makes it so much easier to “go out and get it now.” It’s countercultural to stay inside and be present to the often uncomfortable feelings of anticipation and waiting. It takes practice.

Remember when ketchup came in glass bottles, and it was so thick that you had to wait for it to slowly, smoothly ooze out of the bottle? An entire advertising campaign was built around the joy and satisfaction of waiting and wondering, of anticipating the goodness of the thick tomato sauce emerging from the bottle. There used to be a joy in anticipation. Are we losing touch with the ability to simply wonder and wait expectantly?

When I meet with my spiritual direction group, I already know something I want to explore: How is God inviting me to rediscover the joy of anticipation amidst so many beautiful distractions and painful worldwide realities?   

Reflection:

Meeting with a spiritual director in December might invite reflection on the calendar year past and visions of the year to come. What is God inviting you to explore this sacred season?