Chapter November 12

"The practice of Sabbath reminds us that we are more than the sum of our productivity…" - 50 Short Essays on Being Christian

The practice of Sabbath, that ancient rhythm of rest woven into the fabric of time, whispers a profound truth: our worth isn't measured by the relentless hum of productivity. Yet, in the heart of December, with twinkling lights and festive melodies filling the air, the spirit of the season often clashes with this ancient wisdom. We find ourselves swept away by a whirlwind of shopping lists and social obligations, our minds buzzing with anxieties about the perfect gift or the flawlessly executed gathering. The very season meant to celebrate togetherness can become a blur of activity, leaving us feeling disconnected from the present moment and the people we cherish most.

Imagine Emily, a single mother juggling two jobs and the boundless energy of her young children. As she races through the aisles of a crowded supermarket, her phone buzzing with reminders and requests, the essence of Christmas feels distant, a faint echo beneath the surface of her overflowing to-do list. Or consider Ethan, a college student scrolling through social media, bombarded by images of seemingly perfect holiday gatherings and curated joy. A pang of loneliness pierces through the festive cheer as he compares his own experience to the flawless narratives unfolding on his screen. And then there's Evelyn, a woman in her twilight years, watching the snow fall outside her window. The familiar carols on the radio evoke a bittersweet nostalgia, a longing for the warmth of loved ones no longer present. The silence of her apartment amplifies the ache of absence, a stark contrast to the vibrant memories of Christmases past.

These glimpses into diverse lives reveal a shared human experience: the struggle to be truly present in a world that constantly tugs at our attention, beckoning us towards the future or anchoring us to the past. Yet, within this shared struggle lies a glimmer of hope, a recognition that presence, like a dormant seed, can be nurtured and awakened. It begins with a conscious choice, a deliberate turning away from the clamor of distractions towards the quiet symphony of the present moment. It's in the warmth of a shared meal, where laughter and conversation intertwine like threads of a tapestry, weaving a sense of belonging and connection. It's in the quiet pause before reacting, when we choose empathy over judgment, creating space for understanding to blossom. It's in the simple act of looking into the eyes of another, truly seeing them, acknowledging their presence and offering our own in return.

Like a lighthouse piercing through the fog, presence illuminates what truly matters, casting aside the anxieties that cloud our vision. When we cultivate presence, we discover a richness in the ordinary, a beauty in the everyday moments that often slip through our grasp. The aroma of freshly baked cookies becomes a portal to childhood memories. The sound of a loved one's voice, a melody that soothes the soul. The warmth of a hand held, a silent language of comfort and connection. These seemingly insignificant moments, when woven together with intention, become the threads that create a life rich in meaning and purpose.

The path to presence isn't a linear ascent, but a winding trail with moments of both clarity and confusion. It requires a gentle discipline, a willingness to pause, to breathe, to turn our attention inwards. It's about setting aside the phone, silencing the mental chatter, and allowing ourselves to fully inhabit the space we occupy. Perhaps it's savoring a cup of tea without the distraction of screens, or taking a walk in nature, attuning our senses to the symphony of the natural world. It might be as simple as listening attentively to a friend's story, offering them the gift of our undivided attention. Each small act of presence, like a pebble dropped into a still pond, creates ripples that extend outwards, touching the lives of those around us.

As the Christmas season unfolds, may we find moments of quiet amidst the chaos, moments to reconnect with the spirit of presence. May we gather with loved ones, not just in body, but in spirit, sharing stories, laughter, and the warmth of human connection. May we offer the gift of our presence, not just to others, but to ourselves, recognizing that in the stillness, we discover the wellspring of joy and gratitude that resides within. For in the tapestry of our lives, it's not the grand gestures that define us, but the countless threads of presence, woven together with intention, that create a masterpiece of meaning and beauty.

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." - Psalm 37:7