Slow Down!

I can't even begin to count statuses on Facebook that say something like..
"THREE WEEKS TIL I'M HOME AGAIN!"
upon returning to school after break.

Don't get me wrong- home is an exciting thing for most people, and that's perfectly okay!

There are other statements like, "28 DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS!"  "4 DAYS TIL MY LAST CLASS" etc.

Let's be honest here. Advent, a time of preparing for Christmas, should not be rushed.

It should be a time where we slow way down. Way, way down.

One of the most important days of the year is coming. Let's not forget what that's all about.

It's fine to make countdowns, and do Advent devotionals that correspond with each passing day, ending at the final day, Christmas. But use them as a tool to stop, reflect, and count and enjoy the blessings of each day.

Don't let the rush of society's Christmas, countdown to the next big thing, etc. stop you from reflecting, preparing, and waiting each day for Christmas. Slow down. Reflect. Relax. Enjoy. God's got some exciting things in store. Don't miss out on the things that happen in the mean time.

I hope this doesn't appear contradictory to anyone, but, I put up my Christmas tree upon getting back to school. Not much, but it sets the mood. I was just sitting here, looking at it. Enjoying, reflecting, and thinking about how blessed I really am.