The "ping" that connects us

I received this Advent reflection (below) in my inbox today. I wish I had written it--it so eloquently articulates what prompted me to start this blog. What a great holiday gift! I hope it speaks to you as it did to me.

Advent has always been a meaningful time in my spiritual life. A few years ago, I made the decision to opt out of the hype and pace of pre-holiday December. Advent has become a time that feels in rhythm with the reflective, quiet, waiting feel of winter.

I used to think of this season as waiting for the "birth" of Christmas to reveal itself. Now I experience it more as a sinking into what is-- knowing that Creation is constantly growing in and around me. And, in the quiet, I can hear the 'ping of connection that lets me know that all is well and more will be revealed. Blessings on your advent and this season of peace.

"Advent Readings from Iona" by Brian Woodcock & Jan Sutch Pickard, Wild Goose Publications, 2000.

Advent began in a dramatic way one year when seven potholers emerged unscathed after ten days underground, in France's largest rescue of its kind. Trapped by flooding, forty metres down, they managed to stretch their three-day supplies and survive the freezing conditions. People searching the cave system had been drilling through rocks and lowering microphones without detecting any signs of life. Two groups of people, each listening for the other in the darkness, In 'ping the other was there. Neither had known for certain, but they had kept going as if life depended on it. Which it did.

Listen! I am coming!' Saved by the listening. And by looking. And by not giving up. Real humanity is sometimes buried very deep. In our society and within ourselves. Sometimes we can only hope it is there;we cannot know for certain. But it can be found and reached, touched and healed.And, little by little, brought back to the surface.

It is possible, if there is listening. Listen from deep within. And listen on behalf of others. Whole communities can find their humanity if a few keep on listening. It is not always necessary to listen for words and instructions. To listen simply for signs of life is enough to make the connection. But those who come to our rescue will need to listen as well. For even God listens -very close to us, down in the darkest places, patiently seeking us out.Listening is our salvation. Listening, and not giving up. We are saved by a listening God.