In the fall of 2023, stepping into the empty-nesting freedom of travel, my husband and I flew into Florida, ready to leisurely make our way up the East Coast – visiting friends, family, and a few must-see highlights.
This Advent, I find myself reflecting on that trip – on the intention, pacing, and presence required to journey well- and how those same principles invite us into the rhythm of this holy season.
But what happens when, despite our careful planning, the hurricane winds of life – or literal hurricanes – blow us off course, forcing us to adapt, slow down, and notice what truly matters?
Intentional Preparation
A notorious over packer, I was determined to pack light. I had my mission and was inspired by an Instagram influencer to NOT check a bag and learn how to save time and aggravation by traveling light with just a carry-on. For weeks, I studied her feed and took in all of her travel tips, suggested products, and advice, learning the ins and outs of “capsule” wardrobes and TSA workarounds. Then I began implementing her strategies. I literally practiced packing. (Type-A much?) Long story short – I did it! I successfully flew into Florida, bypassing the checked bag chaos in one carry-on and had everything I needed for our journey….or so I thought.
The goal for our trip was to leisurely take in the East Coast’s tourist highlights lingering 2-3 days in each place. One of our favorite things to do when traveling is to savor the local people, art, churches, and cuisine. A few days in strategic locations would give us time to soak up the culture and the sun – nourishing our adventurous spirits and giving our weary souls some rest.
As I write this, the first week of Advent is behind us. Journeys often force us to prepare and set goals, and Advent is no different. Walking with Mary and Joseph, I find myself noticing where their story intersects with mine. I’ve already started Christmas shopping, scheduled family events to make sure we create memories, and carved out plenty of time for prayer. But is this really what “packing light” looks like for the soul? I’m trying – desperately – to keep it light, knowing that I’m entering this season a little fragile, stepping into some deep, tender healing work.
Where are you trying to “pack light” spiritually this Advent?
Disruptions (The Hurricane You Didn’t Plan For)
No sooner did our wheels hit the ground, breaking news was hitting the airwaves. My light packing and perfect, capsule wardrobe didn’t include the rain gear we might need for the unexpected storm that was going to hit. No, seriously, I’m not kidding – as we arrived in the sunshine state, hurricane Ian was making its way towards us. I should have known better, as our travels usually entail a story or two of unexpected mayhem.
Strategist that I am, my response to the unforeseen is to step into action. Plan B was already being set in motion. Needless to say, in order to stay in front of Ian, we had to 1) cut our trip short and miss some of the sights or 2) spend less time in each place. Isn’t it funny how disruptions have a way of changing our pace? Not wanting to miss out on anything WE had planned, we went with option 2. Ah, such a lesson there as I look back. Are you hearing it too? “WE plan – God laughs”!
We made our way through Florida, Savannah, Charleston, and the Carolina’s when Ian finally gained ground and forced us to detour inland and head home. Success – we did it…………..or did we?
I’ve always worn adaptability like a badge—Queen of Plan B over here! We managed the trip, the checklists, the detours… yet when I look back, there are moments that whisper a deeper lesson I nearly rushed past. My flexibility has often been linked to hurry instead of surrender; getting it all in vs. letting God lead me.
What could God have wanted us to experience along the way? Did He want us to just skim the surface of each destination? Was there a story from a local He longed for us to hear? A particular sunset or conversation to share with one another? In my rush to check the things off our list, did I miss something else along the way? Something God wanted me to hear?
That’s what I want to shift this Advent – catching the moment when the winds change and choosing not to react out of habit, urgency, or fear. Instead, I want to breathe, stay present, and ask, “Lord, what are You doing in this?” The very gusts that unsettle me may be the ones guiding me toward healing.
Perhaps, you are in an Advent with unexpected suffering, emotional fatigue, family complexities, spiritual dryness? How will you hear His voice in the disruptions? That’s the tender place I’m in this Advent – the many losses I’ve tucked down deep inside, the loneliness of carrying it all alone, and the ache of God’s silence through it all. Sitting in this space, lingering and listening…with God.
This season is teaching me to invite Jesus into the quiet places I’ve been avoiding….and it’s hard – very hard, and it’s not a journey to be rushed, but one meant to transform.
The Unhurried Work Of God
Advent, much like our storm-laden adventure, reminds me that the real work often happens in the very places we didn’t plan for. Hurricanes – literal or interior – have a way of slowing us down, peeling back our ideas of control, and revealing the tender ground God has been longing to touch. This inner healing I’m walking through feels a lot like those strong winds and pelting rain: disorienting, uncomfortable, impossible to schedule. Yet beneath the surface, God works with a patience that never rushes and never wastes.
Whatever disruptions this season holds for you, trust that God is gently shaping you through them – steady, deliberate, and unhurried. May this Advent be a gentle reminder that we don’t have to outrun the storm or fix the path ahead. Grace is patient, healing is slow, and God’s love always moves at the perfect pace.
Where is God inviting you to linger a little longer this Advent?
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