Tag Archives: presence

A prayer for presence this Advent

Advent begins with early sunsets —
daylight retreats. The dark descends
like watercolor. Night after night,
twinkle lights appear, brightening
each block. Christmas trees shimmer,
candles flicker on Advent wreaths.

Holy One, let me reflect your love
like the lights shining in the darkness.

Carolers crowd a city square, singing
“O come, O come, Emmanuel…”
Jingle bell ring out, signaling charity
collection on the corner. An organ
rendering of “Silent Night” floats
from a packed sanctuary.

Holy One, let me harmonize with you,
making known your eternal song.

Advent is a time for telling ancient tales
and collecting wishes. For feasting
and giving. Warm laughter and hugs.

Holy One, keep me attuned
to your glow, your music — soon
angels will proclaim that the Light
of the world is dawning. May I wait
in wonder. Amen.

// This prayer first appeared in my Substack newsletter, Nourish, but I wanted it to have a home here as well. Wishing you a peaceful holiday season.

Why I let him nap in my arms…again

Because he woke up early from his nap.
Because he was calling “Ma-ma! Ma-ma!”
Because when I collected him from the crib,
he nestled his head against my shoulder.
Because he needed more sleep.
Because I needed him, too.
Because I could *not* answer another email or tidy another toy or wash another dish.
Because being his safe space is more important to me than being productive.
Because even though sleep experts say to avoid “bad habits,” they can’t deny that nursing a baby to sleep is positively delicious.
Because he just turned one, and his babyhood is slipping away like fine sand.
Because an hour ago, he stuck his hand in the toilet, then dumped out the dog’s water bowl and wailed when I changed his diaper and I just needed to recall his sweetness.
Because here, in the curve of my arms,
he looks like an angel.
Because he is likely my last child.
Because one day I’ll tell him,
“When you were a baby, your favorite
place to fall asleep was in my arms.”
Because he’s not ready to give this up.
Because I can’t let this go — not yet.
Because someday I’ll look back on this season —
when the house was a mess
and I wore tiredness like a uniform
and my baby stuck to me like my shadow — and realize all of it was magic.

If you liked this post, you may enjoy my book, The Beauty of Motherhood, releasing March 21. Preorders are so important; I’d be honored if you purchased this devotional for yourself or a new mama you love. For more information, visit my book page.