Oh the colors!

 Way back in 2017 (seems like forever but it was just 5 years ago) we began this journey as a clergy family. For 3 of these years, we were in the proverbial "waiting". Waiting for the end of each year, each Ember Day letter period, and for each next step. The vicar was learning about his craft and how to apply his understanding of theology to his future practice and vocation. As a family, we were learning how to make our way forward in new ways. We learned a lot about the beauty of ordinary time. The kids learned about the changing of the seasons through the colors of the liturgical vestments and linens on the altars. They also learned that Daddy was less busy when the color green was up. They knew that purple and blue meant lots of things that Daddy needed to do and places he needed to be. They knew that white was the signal that things were happy if that's not the beauty of Easter I don't know what is). Lastly, they knew and know that red usually means flying banners or birds in church (for those who aren't Episcopalian lots of churches fly holy spirit dove-shaped kites/banners around at Pentecost). I wanted them to find their own meanings for the liturgical changes and as they had questions we answered them. I was surprised when they caught on early and were able to find their own meanings for these various times.

If you follow me on Facebook you know that each of the kids has (save for 4.0 and 5.0) taken up being acolytes and it makes my heart happy that they are each experiencing church in their own way. For the most part, they enjoy serving because as they tell me each time "it makes church go faster." For now, I'll take that. As we move towards and through Advent I hope they will feel the change in the season in a different way. If you know me I LOVE THE ENTIRETY of Advent and Christmastide. I want to celebrate it as fully and for as long as is socially appropriate (well really we know I don't care about Advent police and will generally celebrate it sooner than most). I hope they feel a growing joy that I have come to appreciate. I hope they also see the pride and dedication that their dad, the Vicar, and all clergy pour into that time. That they will learn more flexibility because Daddy will be busy. That we will all continue to create our own traditions and find joy in the season that is always full of miracles. 

This will be our first Advent where the Vicar is fully in charge. We know that things will be different but we know we can be flexible and find the happiness that this brings. We look forward to seeing our church families during this time. We will be waiting with the world for our celebration of Jesus' birth. 

So friends, while we live in the beauty of ordinary time, let us be grateful for this lull and prepare for what comes next. If you need a little Advent/Christmastide spirit, you know where to find me. Bring on the blue (really should be purple but that's for another day!)!

68 days, 9 weeks, 8 Fridays to the best day!