I’ve been so social, so extroverted(!!!) since the beginning of Advent that today felt a little odd. On this day after Epiphany, I felt sort of like — “Where’d everybody go?”
I asked my Facebook friends about life after Advent and here’s some of their collective wisdom:
Bob: Yes, most certainly!!! I think it is something about discipleship.
Micah: Yeah, it’s called Mardi Gras!!!
Pam: I on the other hand think its about sleeping… until the Annunciation wakes you up.
Debbie: Absolutely, there is life after everything!
Ann: Good question.
Lynda: There are wonderful ordinary days which are relaxing and can be spirit filled. I remember our student preacher, Rachel, say in a sermon that God can come in the ordinary days of January as much as in December when we are overwhelmed with it all. Was comforting to me to hear this since I love the quietness of Jan. and Feb.
What about you? Tell me about your life after Advent.
All the Wonders 
I so enjoyed your Uncluttered Heart emails and really miss them. I hope you decide to share your gentle thoughts on a more regular basis. Thank you again for your daily proddings to keep it simple and about what really matters.
You are a blessing!
I am struggling a bit. I loved getting into the daily reflection with THE UNCLUTTERED MIND during Advent. I had never been able to meditate, be still, listen. I operated on the premise that whatever you did was a prayer, prayer of life so to speak, so I just went buzzing about.
Now that the book is finished, I want to go on. I guess I need structure, but the daily e-mail isn’t a solution because I don’t log on regularly. I too love the quiet of winter, but I tend to be such a busy person, living in my head, content to drift, but also, bothered what seems to be an empty aimlessness.
Any suggestions?
Hi, Lisa,
I’m also missing the daily community from The Uncluttered Heart. It’s funny how they spoke to me, too, some days. And I had written them. I tend to make things way too complicated, so I needed reminding, too.
Thanks for your note.
Beth
Hi, Donna,
Thanks for the question. Finding that daily rhythm (structure?) is an ongoing challenge for me, too. I have never found just one thing that worked for me. It’s more like I stumble upon a certain book or ritual that works for me for a season. Then I move on to something else. Sometimes I go through a period of chaos where I’m in my head and it’s not a pretty sight. Then I “hit bottom” and try something else.
I used to beat myself up about not being consistent. But I think that it’s okay to try different things. And the same rhythm (discipline) may not work for every season. Maybe that’s why seasons like Advent and Lent are perfect times to “practice” spiritual discipline.
I don’t really have answers, I guess, but just want to say that you’re not alone. We stumble along this path together.
Anyone else have thoughts?
Blessings,
Beth
yes….my thought is…can we nap now? The season was a good one, and…school is back in session, yet now that we are back in “ordinary time” – ordinary work is piled high. Advent is my favorite liturgical season, and Epiphany my feast of choice.
On the other hand…I could live with a few months of green ordinary before the loom of Lent.
Great blog – can’t believe I didn’t see it sooner! ~ Kate