“How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven.” ~Phillips Brooks
This season is always a busy one. Family gatherings, shopping trips, extra church and school activities–the demands on our time and money can be overwhelming. This year, as we tumble into advent, a season of preparation for Christmas, I am reminding myself to be still enough to notice and cherish the small moments, the moments where heaven comes close. God whispers into our very human hearts, the very blessings of heaven. Those blessings of peace, joy, abundance, rest, love, and hope are ours if can open ourselves to notice and receive them.
As the new chaplain at Signature of Bremen, I am learning to know and love the residents and stakeholders I serve. Daily I am grateful for the joy and hope that God displays here through smiles and simple interactions. Daily I am uplifted by the strength and courage residents, staff, and family members display even when the way forward is difficult or uncertain. As we prepare for Christmas and all that it means, my prayer for each of us is that our hearts might also be prepared to welcome ever more fully the holy gifts that meet us in the small moments.
Grace and peace,
Chaplain Laura