A Different Kind of Waiting

Kristina Talbot reflects on entering the season of Advent amid our weariness.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) 

Each year as the calendar turns its final page, it feels more avalanche-like than tranquil. The space between time and breath is compressed as we seek just a moment to come up for air. There is a weariness within us as we await in joyful hope for who is to come. I’m ever thankful that the Church in her infinite wisdom gives us the season of Advent. It’s as though she knew we needed some time to make ready a way for the Lord. 

Seeking Hope During Advent 

These past few months have felt heavier than years past. More than in my recent memories, I have found myself edging closer to despair rather than walking in the way of hope. As I ponder the people who awaited in darkness for just over 400 years for our Lord to come, I am akin to them.  

There are things happening around us that are not welcomed. Just days ago, my teenagers experienced a school lockdown that has become a regular part of their lives. Collectively, there is a growing sense that we are moving farther away from how we hoped it could be. This sense of darkness around us puts me in that place of waiting upon the promises. 

But for you who fear my name, the sun of justice will arise with healing in its wings; And you will go out leaping like calves from the stall and tread down the wicked; They will become dust under the soles of your feet, on the day when I take action, says the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:20-21) 

It can be easy to forget that we aren’t the only ones who have experienced times of darkness. All we need do is review our kids’ history books to find tales from the Dark Ages and beyond to recognize that this isn’t the first time humanity has cried out, longing for a Savior, in need of a great light.  

What is different is that in some ways as I navigate motherhood it is my first time experiencing adverse historical events in such a profoundly personal way that impacts those whom I hold most dear. The stakes feel higher when our children are involved, and that is for good reason. Perhaps an invaluable gift of this time of year is an opportunity to take inventory of our priorities.  

A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! (Isaiah 40:3 )

Feeling Pulled in Many Directions at Once 

Our lives and culture can pull us in many different directions that are quite crooked. In the stillness of new dawns or the quiet of starlit nights we get to choose which voices hold the most weight. When I take time to intentionally slow down enough to listen to the whispers, it is the echo of John’s voice that resonates within my heart. “Prepare the way of the Lord.”  

If I am to make ready my heart and open a pathway for the Lord to enter our household, it requires taking steps that are more important than shopping lists, decorations, and media consumption. The requirements for preparation are not complicated. Attend Mass, go to Confession, light the candles of the Advent wreath, enter into what is available and reasonable for your current season, and look up to the sky recalling the guiding star that led to the moment that changed everything. Our world doesn’t extend an invitation to stop and slow down, but Christ does.  

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:29-30) 

This year, with so much going on, the preparation may need to look different. If all we do is lay down our burdens and that is our offering, the Lord assures us that is enough for Him. Thankfully, His invitation to us simply requires that we open ourselves to receive Him.  

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Copyright 2025 Kristina Talbot
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