2 Advent, Monday

A nice little juxtaposition this morning.

I began to read Morning Prayer as my first flight of the day was preparing to take off, ignoring the flight attendants' safety demonstration, even though they regularly announce that even frequent fliers should pay attention.

When I got to the Collect of the Day, though, I stopped short. "Give us grace," we pray on the Second Sunday of Advent and throughout the week, "to heed their warnings and forsake our sins" (BCP 211).

Sometimes you need to close the book, open your eyes and ears, and pay attention.

I invite you to take a little time this week just to look and listen. Look for signs of God's steadfastness and encouragement around you. Listen for words of hope, whether they come over the plane's PA system or from some other unlikely source.

"And may the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, through the power of the Holy Spirit" (BCP 102).