Busy, O So Busy

 I wonder sometimes how often we stop and take time to actually think about what we are doing and the priority of what we are doing.  Often times, especially around the holidays, we get so very busy.  We have extra parties to attend and maybe even plan.  We have extra shopping to do.  Then there is the decorating, the food preparation, the school projects.   And in all of this everyone else seems to be busy too, so the stores we are shopping at seem extra packed.  The supplies for the cooking is limited because everyone else is making the same things we are.  And it all adds up to a lot of stress.  

What tends to happen when we get busy is that we start to let go some of the things that we deem are not as important.  This is a good thing to do to avoid stress.  But I am afraid that too often we let the things go that are actually the most important.  For instance, if I have to choose between planning the party or reading my Bible what will I most likely choose?  What about if I have to choose between prayer or doing the extra shopping?  What about if I have to choose between taking a moment to talk to my neighbor over making that extra batch of cookies, which will I choose?  In each of these cases the things listed first are commanded by God and essential for our lives as believers.  The latter is always pressing but not commanded and not essential for our well-being.  But which do we tend to prioritize?  I think I could make this case with numerous examples.  We choose the extracurriculars over church because we paid for them.  We choose family gatherings rather than church gatherings because we feel more obligated to them.  And we choose the celebrations over the reason that we celebrate far too often.  

So this year - commit to yourself that you will strive to prioritize the things that really matter.  And remember that if you bake less cookies, have one less party that you go to, or even buy less presents, your life will be just fine by December 26.  I wonder the impact though of neglecting the Word of God, omitting your conversation with God, and setting aside the people of God.  I wonder?