STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

The Parable of the Shovel on the Back Porch:

Get ready; the Kingdom of God is near! Be like the homeowner who puts a shovel outside the backdoor of her house before the first snowfall. Although there were leaves still on the trees in the backyard, she wanted to be prepared for the inevitable arrival of winter.

One night, the snow arrived with a fury. In the morning, a blanket of snow-covered everything in sight. After admiring its beauty, the homeowner reached for the shovel that was just outside the door. With it, she shoveled a path through the deep snow on the back deck to the corner of the yard. Her small puppy was grateful.

A Question to Ponder:

What preparations can you make this day to welcome God’s Kingdom of love, grace, and peace?

STEP THREE: PRAY

Gracious God, make me ready to welcome your coming. Prepare in my heart a space for love, kindness, forgiveness, and humility. Through Jesus Christ, Amen.