I started writing this sitting in the parking lot of the middle school waiting for school to be out. I had eaten breakfast with a younger woman who asked me to be her theological mentor1 and because school got out so early on this last half-day before Christmas break, I just drove to the parking lot and pulled out my computer.
I’m ready for a break. I’m ready for Christmas movies and slow mornings and wrapping presents a few at a time.2 I’m ready for some time off from work: I saved some days off and then our office is closed between Christmas and New Years. I understand this might not be the same for you. You’ll have to make your own list. I’m ready to leave my computer closed, read some books, go to bed early, leave my phone in another room. I hope you’re making some time for what fills you up, whatever that looks like in your own life.
Because of this, for both of us, this is the last Substack post I’m writing this year. Have the best Christmas you can and I’ll try to do the same.3
May you remember that God entered the darkness of the world to be its light. May you experience the presence of Jesus in your disappointment and sorrow. May the burdens you carry be shouldered by a friend who walks with you. May joy surprise you and peace creep its way through the cracks. May the mundane bring satisfaction and may dark evenings find you nestled under covers. May the celebration of Jesus’ birth be the rebirth of hope in your heart.
Here are some of my favorite posts from this year, in case you missed one.
Top 15 books of 20224
Who Am I Anyway? (a paid post that everyone can read now)
Ted Lasso to eschatology in five easy steps
Low stress dinner invitations
Reading Scripture: leading with questions
Ending eras, making magic, and marking time
Not-so-spiritual advice for transitions
Food in our memories
Tiny steps toward seminary
I quit Instagram. Again.
Growing Up
Nobody’s Mother: a book review
I’ll see you in 2024!
Is this a title? Sign me up!
I don’t like wrapping presents so this is a better plan for me than doing them all at once.
That line ”until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow” is precisely how I feel most of the time.
I’ve already started shaping the top books of 2023 post!