In Ontario, we are in the midst of our two week Christmas break. I've never had a two week Christmas break before because I've always worked jobs that required someone to be there, holidays or not. This year, I predominately teach and when the kids get a break, I get one too. I don't think I've ever had so much time off and stayed home. Years ago, I took time off to travel Europe, which meant a busy schedule and lots of excitement (if you go, take the train, not the bus). This time, I am spending most of my time tucked in my cozy apartment with a few excursions to visit family and friends. I am not busy now. I am reading books and plugging away at a school course, walking my subdivision and baking banana bread. And I am thinking. And I am noticing that God is not as close as He used to be. In the busy, it is easy to get up and do morning devotions and then move on to the next thing that must be done, but in the quiet and calm there is time to sit and wait and notice....