The subtitle is quite appealing, isn't it? Restoring calm in the midst of Advent.
Reality, though, can intrude. Instead of fostering stillness during the holidays, you're apt to cram it in (eye on the clock) or collapse into a form of it between shopping battles at the mall. Many of us spend Advent out of breath from details of a Christmas that hasn't yet taken place!
You know you need to focus on the spiritual aspects of Advent to internalize the experience of the season. Good intentions sometimes only intensify your stress — especially when the must-have toy is sold out everywhere and when even a quick grocery trip involves rush hour-like traffic snarls.
What if it really wasn't that hard to find more peace, more quiet, more room in your heart for the Christ child to be born? Hawkins will guide you — calmly and simply — through the hustle and bustle of Advent, and you'll come out of the four weeks centered, rested and spiritually renewed.
"The idea for this book arose from my own experience of contemplative prayer, prayer that finds its home not in busy doing or speaking but in becoming, in being," writes Hawkins.
Some Advent titles promise reflective simplicity but actually require a lot of time or reading; Simply Wait is the exception. The exercises are very do-able and focus on anticipation, hope, patience and obedience. Questions and journal space are provided to help you contemplate more fully. This is an ideal individual or small group study; a guide for groups is included.
Instead of doing more and moving faster, find a way to reflect more, worry less and connect authentically to season with the grace-filled wisdom of Simply Wait.
