Silent Night?

Heading to put kettles out on "black Friday" somewhere in Pennsylvania.

Must be nice. No traffic.

I just got back from taking my morning share of our kettle workers out, here in Bangor. The traffic wasn't too bad, because I've learned the short cuts to get around all the busy streets! It might look like my trip would be longer on a map, but distance is not my concern when everyone from 2 hours away has been shopping since 5:00 AM this morning! Anything for a deal, right?

One of the things I have liked about being in Maine these last 5 years is the lack of traffic. O I hear people complain every now and then: "Could you believe the traffic out on such-n-such street this morning?" But I've come to understand that means there were 6 extra cars added to the other 6. Hmm, I can still remember being stuck in a stand-still traffic jam at 2:00 AM on the Long Island Expressway once. "Traffic" is a relative term!

As each new Christmas season comes crashing down around me and I am tempted to be drawn into the hectic rush that commercialism has made it, I always go back to the words: "Peace on earth, good will to man." Where did we misplace the "Silent Night?" Aauugghh!! Christmas was not meant to be hectic!

And when it comes to de-peacifying Christmas, I'm afraid we salvos have been the worst culprits. I don't know too many officers who make it through the season without pulling most of their hair out . . . (except those in headquarters appointments!). "It's our busiest time of year," we routinely tell people. Sometimes I wonder if it's all worth it. Not the helping people part, just the 24/7 activity that keeps us focused on anything but spiritual matters.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - Jesus (John 14:27)

I've found it just takes a few moments to "center" myself and get back to the peace I usually live in. If silence is golden then peace is platinum.

This season don't let it all get to you. Stop long enough, whenever you need it, to get back in the center of Holy Spirit's presence. That's what it's all about.