It’s pretty widely known that you can find a tree’s age by counting the rings in its trunk, but did you know that each ring is different depending on what kind of year the tree had? The rings for years with plenty of nourishment are wide, while harsher years leave thinner marks. Sometimes a forest fire leaves a scar, but the rings that follow persist beyond it.
I never quite know what will happen in the months between when I start preparing for this project (usually mid-August) and the beginning of Advent. What will happen even just in the weeks between when our contributors are writing and creating (October) and when this devotional is released. This year, it feels like those weeks and months have been particularly harrowing. Like if we were trees, for a lot of us this year’s ring might turn out pretty thin.
And yet! We are here. Together. This year’s contributors represent 37 faith communities in 17 different states, including 32 college groups and chaplains serving students on 39 campuses. Their reflections, which begin on December 1, are honest and creative and faithful.
If you are overwhelmed, may these words and images offer you a moment of quiet. If you feel alone, may they assure you that you are anything but. If you are finding peace, may they nurture a continued sense of determined calm in the days ahead. Wherever you’re coming from, I’m glad you’re here.
In hope (even when it’s hard),
Rev. Allison Wehrung
Editor
Words for Waiting 
I look forward to these seasonal devotions and preparations.
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