{"id":5777,"date":"2022-11-01T12:18:36","date_gmt":"2022-11-01T17:18:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sarahdamm.com\/?p=5777"},"modified":"2022-11-09T12:24:16","modified_gmt":"2022-11-09T18:24:16","slug":"redeeming-time-november","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sarahdamm.com\/index.php\/2022\/11\/01\/redeeming-time-november\/","title":{"rendered":"Redeeming the Time This November"},"content":{"rendered":"

November tends to be an undervalued month, easily neglected by a society that quickly moves from one thing to the next. The minute the glorious fall colors turn brown and the fun activities of apple picking and pumpkin carving are checked off the list, our culture leaps over the entire month of November and moves into the Christmas season.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to get caught up in it all, too. Christmas movies start playing on cable stations. Peppermint mochas are available at the local coffee shop. And it\u2019s exciting to anticipate \u201cthe most wonderful time of the year.\u201d<\/p>\n

In Saint Paul\u2019s Letter to the Ephesians, he encourages us to “watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity<\/strong>, because the days are evil.” \/\/ Ephesians 5:15-16<\/p>\n

In the Douay-Rheims, where I originally read this passage, the emphasized phrase translates to \u201credeeming the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

One way we can easily practice this idea of \u201credeeming the time\u201d is in how we spend our days. We can choose not to skip ahead but rather be present to the current month and liturgical season, as well as the holy days and holidays within it.<\/p>\n

For as Catholic Christians, we are not meant to conform \u201cto this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.\u201d \/\/ Romans 12:2<\/p>\n

Redeeming the Time<\/strong><\/h2>\n

So, let\u2019s start \u201credeeming the time\u201d by rediscovering November\u2019s worth. Let\u2019s take advantage of this quiet, little month and live our November days intentionally, liturgically, and gratefully. Not only will this allow us to appreciate life day by day. It also will help us enter into Advent with joyful anticipation. By slowing down before the whirlwind of the holiday season, we also will be refreshed and ready to tackle the busyness of our December days.<\/p>\n

Here are some ways to live out the month of November by \u201credeeming the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Living Intentionally<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Savor the calm of November by focusing on simple living:<\/p>\n