Refusing to Juggle

First do what’s necessary; then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

~ Attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi

It’s almost Christmas, and the fact that you found the time to actually open this book and take a few moments for prayer and reflection is pretty impressive.

These last couple of pre-Christmas weeks really test a mom’s ability to juggle.

I learned to juggle in college, spending hours upon hours tossing tennis balls in the air in the hallway of the freshman dorm. When juggling, in order to keep those balls in the air, you have to be willing to let them go. To keep things in perpetual motion, you can only have one ball at a time in your hand.

The art of juggling proves that multi-tasking doesn’t work. The more you try to do all at once, the more likely it is that you will drop a ball or three. 

In these last days of hectic preparation, take a moment to set your priorities as Saint Francis advises. Figure out what’s necessary and do that first. Then move on to what’s possible—and suddenly, you may find yourself accomplishing those things you never thought would get done.

Lord, guide me through these busy days. Help me to keep my priorities firmly in line with my family’s needs and following your will.

To Ponder: Are you overwhelmed by your to-do list as you prepare to celebrate Christmas? Can you let go of some things or curb your impulse to multi-task so you can approach the coming holiday with wonder, joy, and gratitude?
~ Barb Szyszkiewicz, O.F.S.

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