The Season of Caution

Ice and snow on the roads have slowed me down. Careful not to speed up too quickly, nor to have to brake too suddenly, I have entered that season of the year which is not found in any calendar. I have entered the season of Caution.

Caution is what makes us assess the route taken before leaving the garage. Caution is that which causes us to stockpile emergency supplies, both in our cars and in our homes. Caution demands that life not be lived 'pedal to the metal', but at a rate of speed respectfully aware of the dangers at hand. Caution urges attentiveness to the landscape and readiness in the soul. Caution heightens perception and attunes decisiveness.

So little do we enjoy the season of Caution that we throw our very last dollars at it with scatterings of salt and calcium chloride. So derided is the notion of such a season that some will end up in ditches and fields, cursing the ride which placed them there and praying for Caution in others to come and save them. So despised are the behaviors Caution elicits, some are moved to never leave their places of security, demanding others to serve them and still others to act on their behalf. Caution is not perceived to be a joyful season, rather one to be feared and dreaded. Yet, Caution is that one season which, when wholly observed, is holy and sacred in its own right, for Caution is a Rite, a season of delicious, delicate liturgies causing our souls to slow, even while our hearts beat with urgency.

Caution gives us back the Day that we need no longer fear the night. Caution opens to the believer the gates of Paradise, even as the very gates of Hell are closed forever. Caution inspires thought and pondering, while deepening prayer and meditation. Caution allows time and space for words with meaning, and meaning for actions. Caution is a gift from God that is unlike any other gift - and was never meant to be a season through which one might skip.

Caution teaches us to measure our steps, whether to Bethlehem . . . or Jerusalem. Caution opens our ears to hear His words, whether from a Mount or mounted upon a Cross. Caution peals from our eyes the scales of blindness which could not understand earthly faithfulness pointing towards heavenly Lordship. Caution bids our faith to delve into the Word which matters in a manner which moves the Bible from coffee table decoration to kitchen table reading. Caution gives us the heart reason to believe life is more precious than all the things we can accomplish - and nobility of purpose anchored in the Noble One who walks the way with us.

Caution may not be a season marked on the calendar, but it is a season of the Lord requiring our attentive participation that we not miss the very gift of Life itself, Life born in an expected place and time along the way.

Tend to the season of Caution in these hallowed days of Advent.

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Don