Are You Ready?

Last weekend, with some careful planning and faithful babysitters, my husband and I attended three parties in two evenings.  All of them were enjoyable, and I got to brush up on my small talk questions and answers.  One of my favourites:  “Are you ready for Christmas?”

I don’t mind this question, though I never know quite what to say.  The simple answer is “No, I’m not ready.”  The more complex answer is “Will I ever be ready?”  On one hand, I still have lots to do to prepare for the big day.  On the other hand, I’m not rushing around in a panic and I realize I’ll never be completely finished all the things I’d like to do.  I could always bake more cookies, deliver more goodies, send more cards, sing more carols, buy more gifts, spread more cheer, and do more service.  And then there are the outdoor Christmas lights I don’t think I’ll ever get hung.

I’ve learned that preparing for Christmas is best taken care of one day at a time.  We do the most important things first then fit the extras around the big stuff.  I like Steven R. Covey’s analogy where he fits rocks into a container then pours sand around them.  They all fit when the big stuff goes in first.

Just like life.  When we prioritize and do the most important things first, everything else we need to do will fit.  Are we ever really ready for the things life throws at us?  Probably not.  But we do our best to prepare then trust things will work out.

Now it’s one week ‘til Christmas and to answer the question, “Are you ready?” I’ll say:  Since Christmas – and a happy life – is about generously giving and graciously receiving, I hope I’m always ready but never quite finished.