This year, Christmas decorations first appeared before Labor Day in some places.
The day after Halloween, most stores had their Christmas displays up.
Mid-November, many homes were fully decorated outside.
Mid-December, all those going to decorate had done so.
Did you also notice, just a few days after Christmas, that many decorations had come down?
Stores, following post-Christmas sales, put away their displays. Neighborhoods once brightly illuminated by colorful displays went dark.
This seems to be a way of life in our society: We look forward to a special event or time.
Enthusiasm builds.
We take steps to make it special.
The event happens, with great fanfare. And then — it's over, and time to move on to the next event.
We have forgotten, it seems, the ability to relax and reflect.
We have forgotten a concept talked about in the Bible. The Greek word deipnon characterizes a calm, relaxed time, when no one is in a hurry, conversation flows, and relationships grow and strengthen.
There is no rush to move on to the next event.
Practicing deipnon allows you to be with other people, focusing on them and your relationship together.
What comes next is not nearly as important as the present.
Jesus and his disciples practiced this kind of relationship. They were a close-knit group of friends — they walked together, talked together and ate together.
What would your life be like if you were to do the same with people in your life?
What would it be like for you to enjoy an event and then its afterglow, instead of hurrying off to the next item on the agenda?
In this new year, why not practice deipnon?
Seek the Lord and rest in him.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Practicing deipnon, a forgotten concept