Third Sunday of Advent

We have made it through the second week of advent, and now the excitement is really growing! Unfortunately, excitement can often turn into feelings of pressure, worry, loneliness, dissapointment, or frayed nerves.

This is a good time to give extra attention to the importance of friends and family, and find ways to support and comfort each other.

Agenda:
1. Journal:
Am I paying enough attention to each member of my family?
Am I including them in advent in ways that they enjoy?
How can I connect better to my friends this week?

2. Advent wreath ceremony:
Tonight (and every night this week) we will light three advent candles, and recite three prayers:

"We light the first candle for the earth, which sustains us. May we cherish and care for it."

"We light the second candle for all the people of the world. May we find unity and peace."

"We light the third candle for our family and the joy and love we bring each other."

3. Plan activities:
I remember many joyful moments with my family in advents past- shopping together, writing cards, making cookies, making gifts, or watching Christmas shows.  This year, as I struggle with pain, and the limitations of having only one working arm, friends and family have become my lifeline. 

My advent expectations are greatly reduced- but I do have some projects I need help with- we'll see what this week brings. I will talk with each person in the family about our expectations, and negotiate some help. Then I will relax and let the love work to create moments of closeness.

Things to do this week to open to joy and love:

• Take care of myself so I can be calm and present for the spontaneous joy when it arises.
• Take the time to consider what others- friends and family- will want most this season. In other words, I become less self-focused and more generous in all ways. 
• Be respectful, patient, and kind (no matter how stressed  I feel).