As I write this post, my children are in the room next to my home office, playing Pictionary together after a relaxing morning of art, backyard basketball, practicing guitars and plenty of time on the phone for our oldest child. It’s great for them to have a break from school and sports’ practices, and I look forward to joining them at the end of this week for our upcoming “staycation.”
Last night we rode the cable cars to the handmade gingerbread house at the Fairmount Hotel, one of our favorite Christmas-time traditions. This and other recent activities mark the first time in three years that as a family we have re-engaged with some revered local customs that were interrupted by the pandemic. I am reminded of how much I love where we live and how fortunate I feel for our family to once again be celebrating Christmas in San Francisco. And we work hard not to rush into the season ahead without proper recognition of this special time of Advent.
Personally, the example of Joseph, the father of Jesus, is one that grounds me in my reflection upon Advent. In her Transforming Center blog, Ruth Haley Barton describes Joseph’s discernment and decision-making as a “walk of faith.” I couldn’t agree more.
Enjoy this inspiring rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to assist our moment of reflection. May we each walk in faith throughout these concluding Advent steps ahead!
Keeping the Faith 