“The great danger facing all of us– let me say it again, for one feels it tremendously—is not that we shall make an absolute failure of life, nor that we shall fall into outright viciousness, nor that we shall be terribly unhappy, nor that we shall feel that life has no meaning at all– not these things. The danger is that we may fail to perceive life’s greatest meaning, fall short of its highest good, miss its deepest and most abiding happiness, be unable to render the most needed service, be unconscious of life ablaze with the light of the Presence of God—AND BE CONTENT TO HAVE IT SO—that is the danger. That someday we may wake up and find that always we have been busy with the husks and trappings of life—and have really missed life itself. For life without God, to one who has known the richness and joy of life with Him, is unthinkable, impossible. That is what one prays one’s friends may be spared—satisfaction with a life that falls short of the best, that has in it no tingle and thrill which comes from a friendship with the Father.” –Phillips Brooks
I love this quote. (With special thanks to my sister!) THIS is why Jesus came…to GIVE us this kind of abundant life! Our souls were made for God and will not be content with anything less.
So this is my prayer for you: That during this season of Advent you will not be content or distracted with the trappings of this life but that you stay attentive and responsive to all the ways in which Christ comes to you everyday…and invites you into this WITH-God life.
Gail Johnsen 
Gail, I really appreciate the way you help get us back on course. Your summary line “stay attentive and responsive to all the ways in which Christ comes to you everyday…and invites you into this WITH-God life.” could be framed in our house- I love it so much! You are influencing so many through your writing. Our family is different this year because of you. Much love!
Oh, Shari, you are such an encourager!