hallowthankmas

that time of year which always
seems to overwhelm us,
that season some call HallowThankMas.
we are already seeing the ads
and hearing the news about
how hard it may be to travel
and the need to buy tickets.
so, as we plan and hope and dream,
remind us, God of the lonely,
of all those around us who
will not be able to travel this year,
just as they have not been able
to afford to travel, or have anyone
to visit, for so many years.

that time of year which always
seems to seduce us to spend
more on costumes and buy more
candy than we will ever give away
(or should eat) is here.
and we begin to make lists
of what we will get for our aunt,
the tools our brother might need,
how many toys and gifts
for each child or grandchild,
all the while mindful of the stories
of the most popular gifts

already being on backorder.
so, as we plan and hope and dream,
remind us, Jesus of the forgotten,
of all those around us (maybe
even friends, neighbors, family)
who hope they can afford, much
less find, a simple, single present
for each member of their family,
and wonder if they can put together
a costume for their child.

that time of year which always
seems to sneak up on us, no matter
how early the sales, and ads, begin
has done it again, and we are
already stressed out with the
planning, the worrying,
the scheduling, the list making,
and soon, the delivery folks
will be dropping off more and more
stress on our porches and doors.
so, as we plan and hope and dream,
remind us, Spirit of pauses and silence,
that not everyone gives into the
buying and accumulating and worrying,
but find the simple pleasures
of a quiet afternoon with a close friend,
the silence of a long walk in the woods,
the gentle peace of staring at the stars,
and who are more than willing
to share these gifts with us.

that time of year is upon us,
God in Community, Holy in One,
so, we pray we might find time
this year to discover the peace,
the hope, the silence, the grace
you offer to us in every moment. Amen.

(c) Thom M. Shuman