Have you noticed that often when trying to think of something success comes when you stop trying so hard? Trying to remember a name? Stop trying, divert attention. Ten minutes later, “Aha! That’s the name.”
Maybe you are in your prayer position—sitting in a favorite chair, sitting cross-legged on a cushion, the tradition on your knees posture. You are earnestly trying to receive a message from God. Nothing. Then you take a walk around the neighborhood or at a nearby park. Something comes to you. Probably God speaking in the wind or sun.
Sometimes we may slip into a mood of taking counsel from the voices feeding our anxiety, particularly those who benefit from our worry. Get off social media and TV news. See the above taking a walk therapy.
Sometimes we have friends of acquaintances who have more opinion than perspective. Rather than taking guidance just nod slowly and then go, well, for that walk.
Matthew begins his story of the birth of Jesus with God talking to Joseph through an angel in his dream. Joseph listened and acted. Luke begins his with an angel with a message for Mary from God. She listened. She acted.
God is weird. He comes to us in the most unexpected moments in the most unexpected ways. We cannot force it. Therefore to constant advice about being ever vigilant, like the story of the bridesmaids waiting for the husband’s arrival. They were prepared (extra oil, just in case) and vigilant.
Here we are. Almost at the end of Advent. Still vigilant I hope. Still expectant. Welcoming a new presence of God. Are you ready?
Faith Venture 
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