Monday of the First Week of Advent
Lord, how many adversaries I have!
how many there are who rise up against me!
Psalm 3:1
Waiting is the Advent theme, so of course it makes sense that I would begin this morning with a trip to the DMV. I prepared for this trip for weeks. Literally. I scanned the website thoroughly, followed links, and actually read all the fine print. All of it. Multiple times.
My oldest and I prepared for the excursion together, as we both needed to be there in person. We compared notes, printed out forms, and made sure we had all the necessary documentation. We even had a contingency plan based on the probability that we would be found wanting and would have to come back another day. And we had reading material for the time we would spend waiting.
We arrived and were met by a guard at the door who informed us that as of this month, we had to have an appointment. No walk ins. I am convinced this information was not on the website. But then he said, “I see you have all your forms, you can go on in,” and smiled.
And from there it was a breeze. No waiting. Friendly employees. No obstacles, but rather a path made smooth.
In Advent, I am expectant. And now I am reminded that I would do well to expect advocates rather than adversaries, to turn away from the voice that compels me to be anxious, to lean toward the glorious new life already on its way.
