So Close and Yet So Far

Our house is almost finished. We're so close and yet so far. There's some painting yet to be done, in addition to hanging a ceiling fan, switch plates, shelving, etc. We're almost there, just not yet. Do you have things in your life that are so close and yet so far? Maybe, like me, you never finished college. So close and yet so far. Maybe you too have household projects or an unfinished craft, scrapbook, yard work, savings account, work project.... So close and yet so far.

Christmas is so close and yet so far. It's two days away and I'm scrambling to get the house cleaned, laundry done and out of the way, presents wrapped, shopping finished, desserts baked, etc. I'm almost in panic mode because Christmas is so close! However, it also seems so far because I'm busy in the doing and not busy in the reflecting, worshipping, treasuring, like Mary, "all these things" in my heart. I just want to sit with my family and light our advent candles and read a Christmas book by the fire. I want to watch A Christmas Story DVD and wrap presents and snuggle with my love, Michael. But the tyranny of the urgent calls and I wane for the true Christmas that's so far in the distance. I see it but I'm not experiencing it.

As it approaches, quickly now, I intend to reverence it and bow down to it. It's my hope, my song, my life. So close I can feel it now. I can hear the angels singing "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Can you hear it? Can you see it? Can you feel it? Come close and not so far.