At every turn, we are reminded that there are only days until Christmas (fifteen, as of today, if you are counting). I am a mother of two children, so these days are filled with decorating our home, attending holiday parties, shopping for those perfect gifts, and writing cards and thank you notes (in a timely manner, of course). There is so much to be done, and so little time to complete it. But what I have learned is that all of this activity is the noise that distracts me from what is most important: my family and my faith.

I have learned that sometimes I need to say no to attending a Christmas gathering, in order to say yes to playing a game of Trouble with my daughter. Or allowing cards to be sent later than planned so I can take the time to write a note and send the school photos. Or not spending the day trying to make my home perfect, when I can spend those hours creating family memories. I take the time to sit in quiet prayer- sometimes alone in the church, other times at Mass with my children- meditating on being present to those I love and opening my heart in prayer.

Advent, much like Lent, is a time for slowing down and reflecting on what is important. I find such peace within my Church, and love within my home, however imperfect and messy they may be. This week, I light the second candle and feel immeasurably blessed.