Student Daily Reflection

For most Creighton students November 30th 2008 signals not only the first day of Advent but the end of the Thanksgiving break and the beginning of “crunch time” until the end of the semester. The days are literally numbered until finals. I had such big plans for accomplishing things over the Thanksgiving break and now I am sitting here on the last day feeling guilty and wanting to hide my face. Things seem somewhat hopeless at times. I am dreaming of December 19th, the last day of finals, but yet I know I will have to use everyday to the fullest in order to get everything done. Feelings of fear and probable failure weigh on my heart as I call out to friends, family, and roommates, “Help!”

This is the cry of help. Isaiah’s reading to me is also calling out for help and the return of the LORD. To me the tone and flow of this reading resonates with my feelings during this chaotic time of the year. In the beginning the prophet seems desperate and frustrated calling on God to rescue the world and return. As move through the reading I identify an awareness that with faith everything will be okay. It also reminds my during this stress filled season to call upon the God for help and that I may not be able to do everything as perfectly as I desire.

This is a busy season when it is easy to get caught up in the confusion and stress of preparing for Christmas. The second to last line, “we are the clay and you are the potter”, speaks especially to me, reminding me of all the ways we are pushed, pulled, and spinning around on the pottery wheel of life. Sometimes just have to let go and let God.

May we receive the joy of the coming Lord throughout Advent.