Celebrating Advent?

It first happened a few years ago.
Levin Furniture was having a sale, with no payment until 2012!
This was the first time a date was shown in advertising that was AFTER my retirement year. After 25 years at my current nursing employer, this Masters Degree RN is ready to go.

In the past, leaving my employer was like standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, looking down. You know that the bottom is there, but so far off and precarious to get there! It only seems like a vision in the mists, not a reality.

Lately thought, the proposed retirement date is sneaking up on me? Recently 6 month return appointments for patients were past my retirement date! The last carton of organic milk purchased had an expiration date of 12/1/10 on it. Ah! to relish the thought that the next carton purchased will show a lovely 2011 on it.

In this season of advent, the time before Christmas, there was a ceremony at my grade school of lighting candles on a wreath. One candle lit for each week of advent. There was a song that was played at this time into every classroom over the PA system. "Oh come oh come ( enter your divine name here) and ransom captive Israel." For me this date with destiny is set in early 2011.
For me, Advent is not a dirge to "save a poor wretch", but a promise. It is exciting, like anticipating Christmas.

What about the reader who cannot yet plan a ransom date?
How do they enjoy "the now"?
There are some lucky ones, who's work is their passion, so no ransom is needed. Confucius said: "Love what you do, and you will never work another day".

While helping people as a nurse can be your love, but not when you have so many requests for help that some are answered quickly, but some must be let go. You are a miracle worker to some and may seem insensitive to others. Some people feel guilty about saying no. Often, that has been me. This thought comforts me: Jesus only healed one at a time. He raised Lazarus but did not raise the whole graveyard. It looks like he knew when to call it a day. Supporters like Nicodemus had the assets to spend the night, with a great dinner, hot bath and cozy bed to rest.

How many of us give up the evening dinner hot bath and cozy bed? Do you see McDonald's fries under your car seat? Many in these types of jobs consider this a luxury, and give that up. They also work through breaks and lunch, often putting in a few hours on the weekend or after quitting time. Many do this on their own time for fear of being criticized by asking for over time.

Are you making a living, or making a dying? While short bursts of 50+ hours a week in an emergency are appropriate, how many weeks/ months / years does this keep going? A candle burned at both ends produces more light for sure. This candle however, ends up as a puddle of remaining wax, with no wick left. Maybe you pay is great, but you are a bird in a guided cage. Many are trapped by their increasing debt from the demands of a higher life style.

On Sunday, Dec 5th, 2010, join me at the Chapel of Oneness in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, near Century 3 Mall. At their 11am service I will be combining some metaphysical truths with the practical suggestions that come from the school of hard knocks. This talk will be for people who feel stuck, or those who want to avoid or help others in this predicament.

The Church's official web site is http://www.thechapelofoneness.com. A link to directions is here:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=345+Regis+Avenue+15236&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=345+Regis+Ave,+West+Mifflin,+PA+15236&gl=us&ei=oTnTSp2cH8yRlAfxrPyoCg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CAoQ8gEwAA

Hope to meet you there, but if not, check back on this blog for highlights of what was presented.
Above all, know that you are a powerful spiritual being and very loved. {{{[[[HUGS]]]}}}