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Each Friday my writing stems from a word prompt. Five minutes, one word prompt. The prompt this week is … Rush.

Yesterday was the first time I went out to do some Christmas shopping this season. I had a short list of several gifts which I could buy in one store.

After browsing around, I finally made my selections carefully and headed to the cashier. The line was incredibly long given the time of day, but I took my place at the end and waited.

A woman, two people in front of me, proudly announced she was going to time how long it would take her to get to the cashier. From the look on several faces, it was obvious the announcement was for my ears being new to the line. She turned her phone towards me to show the display as she was already on line 10 minutes and 38 seconds.

Rush.

It’s defined as “to move, act, or progress with speed, impetuosity, or violence” (dictionary.com).

Christmas seems to bring on the rush like no other time of year. We hurry about to buy gifts, wrap them, send out cards, decorate our homes, and bake. There’s no time to just settle in and be.

The tune begins to go through my head while I am waiting my turn in line:

“City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas.”

(lyrics to Silver Bells written by Ray Evans / Jay Livingston)

The woman continues to share her phone display with the newcomers to the line: 15 minutes and 19 seconds. Some laugh, others get annoyed by the increasing wait. I keep paying attention to the tune:

“Strings of street lights, even stoplights
Blinkin’ bright red and green
As the shoppers rush home with their treasures.”

If we aren’t careful we will rush ourselves right through this Advent season. Advent, afterall, is the time of waiting. Expectant waiting of the Savior. Advent is the time of preparation – the preparing of our hearts for the Savior.

Advent is not meant to be the season of rushing.

“Be still and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored through out the world.”
(Psalm 46:10, NLT)

 

Photo by Heidi Sandstrom. on Unsplash
Today I am joining … Five Minute Friday and Faith On Fire and Friendship Friday .