Life is not easy right now.
I wouldn't even make a corollary statement such as:
"But at least it's good."
Parts of it are good.
Staying up until 2a with a great team of volunteers and friends is good.
Confirmation is good (and tiring).
Time with family is good.
Caroling in the neighborhood with church is good.
As of midnight, I am done with all of my school assignments.
And that feels really good.

But, but, but.
Grief is never easy, and it never feels good.
The fact that a prayer partner for the kid that needs it most wants out, isn't good.
Bypassing December temperatures is certainly no good.
Feeling disconnected from friends isn't good.
And that damn grief and anxiety that tinges everything isn't good.

But, but, but...
We are still here
HE is still here
And so we are.
Breathing. Living through it.
Finding that there is time aplenty for what is most important.
And learning how to make that time.
That is my advent lesson for the year.
There is time. Just keep breathing.
There is time to be present
There is time for kind words and kisses and hugs
There is time for those who know to make it
There is time for those who know how to look for it.
Today, at least, there is still time.
And so we are.
And so HE is.
Still.