☾ Life & Style

How often do we encounter the question “Who am I?” It is probably the most fundamental question we ask ourselves, yet we still struggle to find the most honest response. If we fail to answer it as candidly as possible, imagine how other people feel and think about us? More often than not, not knowing who they are dealing with is a very easy path to assumption, judgment, indifference, and even rejection.

I remember attending a friend's birthday dinner with my husband and five other couples years ago. One of the ladies, a new acquaintance at the time, talked about how much she enjoyed her recent lunch dates with two other ladies at the table, then asked the lady right next to me to go to lunch in the coming week. That left me and the host (who I know is a very close friend of hers) out. Well, my immature self at the time thought it was kind of rude and tacky. I somehow felt rejected. Of course, she’s not interested in getting to know me!

According to Pew Research, Christians make up just 2% of the adult population in Israel. That’s a surprising number and means most Jews still reject Jesus as the Messiah, while approximately 2.63 billion Christians around the world make up nearly a third of the world’s 8.2 billion people (as of 2024).

When we consider that the greatest man who ever lived on Earth was rejected by his own people, it makes it easier to accept rejection ourselves. Surprisingly, they did not know Jesus the way we do. And even for us Christians, we still struggle with our own faith if we don’t truly know him.

It is the season of Advent. We are approaching Christmas. We have been talking about the waiting and anticipation of the birth of Jesus, while most of our preparation has focused on decorating, preparing for family gatherings, shopping, baking, and sending Christmas cards and gifts. While we associate the feeling of joy and excitement with waiting for Christmas, generally in life, waiting is not something we enjoy. As Fr. Mike Schmitz, a beloved podcaster and priest from Duluth, MN, aptly said, "We hate to wait, especially when we do not know or understand the circumstances around it." 

Why do we wait? Why can't we just get on with it...now!

ADVENT is all about waiting and anticipating the birth of Jesus.

In one of his Advent Sundays' homilies, Fr. Mike emphasized: "Waiting is meant to serve a purpose. God invites us to wait in silence. Waiting purifies. Silence magnifies. It is in those quiet moments that we gain clarity in whatever fills our heart and mind."

Not being the favored one? Missing out on an invitation to an event or gathering? Not receiving the best seat in the house? Not a problem. While Jesus was rejected by his own people, may we learn to graciously accept rejection as we navigate through life, rather than being burdened by an unnecessary feeling of inadequacy. What a waste of energy! He equipped us to face our own struggles by living through his own. In the coming days leading to Christmas, and as we start the new year, I hope we get to learn more about Jesus, the son of God who dwelt among us, rejected by his own people, yet celebrated by everyone who believes in him.

I hope we all find plenty of time for solitude and reflection. If we can seize the opportunity to prepare ourselves, especially during Advent, and take the time to sit still and listen to the stillness of our hearts, it can be incredibly enriching. 

Waiting is meant to serve a purpose. Waiting purifies. Silence magnifies. And now, the wait is almost over. More than 8.2 billion people eagerly await the birthday of Jesus of Nazareth, the begotten son of God, rejected by his own people, but still remembered, celebrated, and believed in by Christians around the world, two thousand years later.

What a great ADVENTure He lived!

Merry Christmas to all.

Be kind. Be fabulous.

-Cora

And just like that… SUMMER is gone!

Toward the end of winter, I welcome the thought of spring and summer with utmost exuberance. Gorgeous flowers popping everywhere, fun summer trips, trees coming back to life, outdoor parties, colorful sun dresses, toes in the sand, fruity summer drinks and watermelon, sizzling barbecues, patio dining, pool time, and of course, the glorious sun…well, plenty of it! 

No matter the challenges of Covid-19, the current social climate, and the moral ambivalence that unexpectedly dominate and dampen this year’s spring and summer experience, I made a conscious choice to embrace and brighten up my days. Sometimes, you don’t need to leave your humble abode to delight in this season of relaxation. So many things to enjoy even in the comfort of your own backyard. You just have to find it. 

How I relish waking up to the quintessential summer scents, a whiff of magnolias or the smell of freshly cut grass in the air! My daily routine of afternoon swims in the backyard pool and some gardening, while listening to the valuable lessons of Jordan Peterson, Andrew Huberman, and Ted Talks kept me going. For some reason, there’s a lovely feeling of exhaustion that comes from a relaxing or productive day spent beneath the summer sun. What could be more invigorating than a luxurious afternoon nap or curling up with a summer read? And of course, who could dispute the fun in trying a new banana bread recipe? (Did you know there are a gazillion ways to make banana bread?) 

Summer days are simply made for being completely immersed in the moment, wherever or whenever those moments take you. The key is to find joy.

Goodbye summer. 

How about you? How did your summer go?

Be kind. Be fabulous.

-Cora