Making the House Ready for the Lord
Dear Lord, I have swept and I have washed but
still nothing is as shining as it should be
for you. Under the sink, for example, is an
uproar of mice — it is the season of their
many children. What shall I do? And under the eaves
and through the walls the squirrels
have gnawed their ragged entrances — but it is the season
when they need shelter, so what shall I do? And
the raccoon limps into the kitchen and opens the cupboard
while the dog snores, the cat hugs the pillow;
what shall I do? Beautiful is the new snow falling
in the yard and the fox who is staring boldly
up the path, to the door. And still I believe you will
come, Lord: you will, when I speak to the fox,
the sparrow, the lost dog, the shivering sea-goose, know
that really I am speaking to you whenever I say,
as I do all morning and afternoon: Come in, Come in.
Mary Oliver
Thanksgiving is less than one week away and it seems I'm never completely ready for the holiday season to begin. Like Mary Oliver, I can sweep and wash, plan and shop, but it never quite feels like enough. And there are always interruptions.
Referencing Mary Oliver's poem above, Pastor Tony Robinson writes,
"Jesus’ coming does not depend, thank God, on our perfection in preparation.
Mary Oliver speaks of house cleaning as making ready for the Lord. But then turns to all the uninvited comings that undo her best efforts — uproars of mice, gnawing squirrels, limping raccoons, and a boldly staring fox... They all come, ready or not, wanted or not. So Christ’s coming does not depend upon our success in “making ready.” He comes ready or not, intruding, surprising, revealing, redeeming.
I’m all for house-cleaning. In the right mood, I sort of enjoy it. But the incursions of Jesus Christ come in unexpected ways, through unlikely people. We are never really ready. In fact, it seems that he often comes when things are all a mess."
There is such beauty in these brilliant sunlit November days, and it brings me much joy to see the still-remaining yellow and scarlet leaves (& even humble weeds) illuminated in the golden slanted light. And, in spite of all my preparatory hurrying and scurrying, the time of gathering with dear ones always warms my heart. I particularly love how my sweet grandchildren tumble into our home (like playful puppies) in their new holiday dresses and sweaters, so eager to begin celebrating. I am deeply grateful for these precious moments.
But there are also challenges in this season. Days grow colder and dark arrives earlier (and stays longer). Golden autumn days are often overshadowed by dark and troubling events in the world. As the Advent season approaches, we begin to long for Light.
In her song below, Carrie Newcomer speaks of singing in the dark, holding one another in our song, and waiting for the dawn together. She references the Trappist monks at Gethsemane Abbey, obediently rising in the middle of the dark in faith-filled prayer and song for all of us, and for the world. May we too sing our song while still in the dark, affirming we are not alone.
For reflection:
In what areas of your life do you need some sorting out, airing out, or mending
What is cluttering your space that needs to be released? What needs to be accepted and welcomed in?
What new thing(s) would you like to bring in to your "home" this season?
In what ways might you be called to "sing in the dark" while waiting for the dawn?
Sources:
Mary Oliver, "Preparing the House for the Lord," Thirst, Beacon Press: Boston MA, 2006
Anthony Robinson, "A Poem for Today, Advent 1," November 28, 2020, anthonybrobinson.com
Our Advent Online Retreat "Longing for the Light" begins December 3
and will continue through Christmas Day, December 25, 2023
We will share Advent-themed blogs (including scripture, music, poetry and art, with reflection questions) twice a week on Sundays and Thursdays.
We invite you to take a few moments a week with us, as we walk through the Advent season together, watching for the Light of Christ coming into the world, bringing Hope, Peace, Joy and Love!
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