Be Still, Advent Day 3: Rest In Joy

Hebrews 12:1

The Christian life is a race, and we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” cheering us on. We are called to lay aside every weight and run with perseverance.

My Wild Imagination

I have quite an imagination. Although I’m not one of those people who easily remember their dreams, even if I scribble them in a notebook as soon as I wake up, they drift away like fragments of ashes the moment I start walking to the bathroom.

But there is one little game I can play that involves going back in time until I can find one of the happiest times in my life. One of those places that pop up a lot is the little church my parents took us to when we were little. The people there, and the building itself, were like our family—for all of us.

I can vividly smell the sweet smell of the basement where we had felt-board Sunday school lessons; I can see the deep grain of the wood on the white oak pews and the smell of lemon furniture polish. The men there always wore dark gray and black suits to church, with their crisp white cuffs peeking through the sleeves. They exuded nothing but calmness, strength, and confidence. In their presence, no storm could break through—we were so safe.

The mint green stained-glass windows, the music, and the simple smiles on everyone’s faces—in an instant, it all comes back. And just like it was back then, I get the feeling that something wonderful is just about to happen.

But then, I must stop because my heart just can’t take anymore. It’s flooded with too much sadness and too much joy all at once. And I have nothing but overwhelming gratitude for those people who walked through my life.