Advent ~Eight~

“When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”
           -Jesus
           Footprints in the Sand Poem

This poem is my dad’s favorite.  He’s never voiced why..but I think it has something to do with his battle with alcoholism and grace.  His life is strewn with the painful consequences of his choices.  Yet, nine days out of ten, you will find him with a smile, a joyful greeting, a twinkle in his eyes and a bear hug when you say goodbye.  He’s been sober 17 years now….

Ann Voskamp gives voice today in her writing that sometimes we’re just the most tired of trying to be strong.  Religion, programs, self-help books are all about what we have to do to finally “arrive”.  But, for us, Jesus is the one who carries us…we who are lost and will never “arrive” and are bone weary of all the trying and striving.

Grace and rest are my Advent gifts today.  
Grace frees me to rest…to slow down…to not “arrive”…
Grace and rest are what I crave when I am so overwhelmed I run a stop sign I have been stopping at for 20 years….When I forget to return phone calls….When I space out sending business reports….When I begin skipping meals because I just don’t have the energy to think about cooking…

I like my dad’s poem.  I like that Jesus wants to carry me when I can’t take one more step.  I like that He wants to carry you too…