Spritual practice is not just "accidental."  If your Advent season is to be a time for conection and spritual practice, it will happen because youe have made it a priority - creating an intention. 

Israel wanted a king. They wanted to be like all of the other nations. God warned them that a king would be a terrible idea – but they insisted. It went horribly wrong. So often we think we know best for ourselves – but we don’t. Rather than praying for what we want, let’s pray for wisdom. Let’s ask God to do what is best for us – and trust that His best is better than our notion of “best.”

God had a plan and a purpose for Samuel. He called Him to lead and to serve. You may not hear the audible voice of God the way Samuel did – but He is calling you, too. He has a plan and a purpose for you. He intends to use the gifts, abilities and passions He’s given you for His glory and the good of others. And He has a plan and purpose for your children. He created them with a vision for their lives. Isn’t that amazing? He calls each of us by name – with a plan and for a purpose.