It had been one of those weeks. Funerals, lesson plans, grocery shopping, Thanksgiving preparations, Dad's appoinment to get set up for another  eye surgery, and all three kids had colds. It was also my turn among the deacon's wives to prepare the communion table for the special Lord's supper we'd be celebrating at church the week of Thanksgiving. My husband watched the children so I could run errands one evening. I had a three hour window to get everything done before Charlene Darling needed to nurse.

As I checked out at Walgreens with some juice for communion, I realized [too late] that I had not brought my wallet. The saleslady--which had up to this point been friendly--stated flatly, "I bet you don't have your driver's license either."  Embarrassed, I left my items there and went to the car, hoping that my wallet had slipped out of the bag. Once again, I was so busy with lots of smaller things that I forgot something very important.

As I drove off, I mentally clicked off all the things I still needed to get done, recalled a similar incident from last week , and reminded myself of a Southern pearl of wisdom:  being flaky is only good if you're a biscuit.

"...Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"--

Luke 2:49

This is the time of year when we often complain of not having enough time to get things done, of being overwhelmed with to-do lists,  of being stretched in too many directions at once, as the above story all too clearly shows.  How many of us have stressed trying to get ready for a get-together, snapped at everyone in the house, and then arrive with our game-face on, ready to be the life of the party? It's all too easy to be overcome with busy-ness.  I'm thankful for a loving God [and my strong Christian husband!] who reminds me that I need to be more focused on the Father's business.

We can often let "traditions of men" dictate our employment at this season. I don't mean our jobs, I mean how we employ the use of our time and energies. Are we focusing on the parties, shopping, cooking, Christmas play practices, and other "stuff" that we fill Christmas with? Not that such activities are bad. What joy to share the joy of that Greatest Gift of all with friends and family!  However, it's important to connect each commitment meaningfully to the Christ  about whom this season is supposed to honor.  And it doesn't hurt a bit to trim  down those activity lists! 

The first advent of Christ caused great rejoicing of the angels, the shepherds, the wise men, Simeon and Anna. I want to rejoice with them!  My schedule had better make time for connecting with the Master.  I want to be like Jeremiah:

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.  Jeremiah 15:16