Advent is a season of waiting, it is true, but not in the sense of thinking everything is going to change in the future. It allows the cultivation of patience as one of the interior attitudes necessary for a happy life. However, it does not encourage us to fall into the trap of comparing our life now with some future happiness, thus increasing our discontent now.
Peace can only exist in the present moment. It is ridiculous to say “Wait until I finish this, then I’ll be free to live in peace”. What is “this”? A diploma, a job, a house, the payment of debt? If you think that way peace will never come. There is always another “this” that will follow the present one. If you are not living in peace at this moment, you’ll never be able to. If you truly want to be at peace, you must be at peace right now. Otherwise there is only hope for peace “some day.”
Thich Nhat Hahn, The Sun my Heart
