Ten more days!

Are you feeling overwhelmed about getting it all done? Do you feel like there is still too much to do? Is there an internal struggle between getting things done and remaining prayerful and focused on Jesus?

This reminder that there are only 10 days until Christmas Day is not meant to make you more stressed out or anxious than you already feel. No, this reminder is to encourage you (and me) to take a breath, to pause, and to savor these last days of Advent.

I admit, in the past, I have experienced quite a bit of anxiety and pressure during Advent. In a world that is constantly hurrying, feeling frenzied, and demanding us to do it all perfectly, the Advent season can seem rushed, prayer can easily be replaced with errands, and feelings of inadequacy can sneak in when plans get derailed.

My experience of being overwhelmed during Advent is not unique. In this day and age, we are bombarded with messages to find the perfect gift, be the early bird, spend more money, color coordinate the gift wrap, and bake 31 different cookies.

But is there any mention of Christ? Do any of these demands help us prepare for His birth?

Over the next few days, I encourage us (myself included here!) to take a spiritual timeout. Perhaps your Advent plans haven’t gone according to plan. Perhaps there was less prayer and reflection than you had hoped. Perhaps the flu invaded your family and you needed to take care of your loved ones, instead of baking or shopping.

All is not lost! We still have 10 whole days of Advent! Let’s make the most of them. 

Click over to CatholicMom.com to read the five simple ways to savor these last 10 days of Advent and focus on the real reason for the season: Jesus.