I sometimes have this habit of drifting into my own inner thoughts, completely ignoring any human around me. In these moments I often think I've adequately heard or answered someone, only to find that the dialogue has only taken place in my head. Drifting may seem rather innocuous, but its effects are surprisingly destructive at times. I usually drift without knowing - oh the plight of the introvert! This is usually met with the ire of the other person, which snaps me back to attention.

In matters of faith, drifting can happen with great subtlety until the appeal of our Savior gradually loses its luster. We become dull to the reality that we are a saved people - people of hope already delivered from that which condemns us. So let us pay more attention lest we drift away the message of salvation that we so joyfully proclaim this season.