Pastor Patricia’s Pauses

As I sit here at my computer writing this – it has snowed at least 3 times this year and it isn’t even officially “winter” yet here in Wyoming. However, I must remember how blessed I am to live in this beautiful state of Wyoming.

Most of us know that Wyoming’s best seasons are Spring, Summer and Fall. The rest of the time we battle the weather. In Casper – that means we battle the wind 365 days a year. Which leads me to think about the snowbirds – or as one of our members told me recently – the “snow travelers”!

That leads me to think about how Jesus and the people of Israel traveled back in their time. We are so blessed by “modern” modes of travel – be it our car, truck, boat, bus, train or airplane. Jesus and his followers walked everywhere they went – no matter what the weather. Granted, they lived in a beautiful desert area of the world and it probably didn’t snow there much. But we do know it rained once for 40 days straight!

As we gather with our friends and families this Advent season of the liturgical year, I’m reminded to think of and be grateful for all my blessings. I’m blessed to have a roof over my head. I’m blessed to have adequate transportation. I’m blessed to always have food on my table (sometimes too much food…. oh, that turkey on Thanksgiving was the BEST!) I’m blessed to have my health. I’m blessed that I can walk – even in the worse weather Casper can throw at me!

This season of Advent, I invite you to wonder with me. Wonder about the lives of the people who are in the Nativity. Wonder about Mary’s life, Joseph’s life and the shepherds’ lives. Wonder, imagine and try to understand what their perspective was on God, our King of Kings and Jesus, Our Lord and Savior!

Blessings to all of you this Holy Season of Advent!