frazzled (Matthew 3:1-12)

so frayed, so frazzled,

so harried, so hassled . . .

it's so hard to get prepared:

just when we think every present is bought,

and unexpected one arrives and,

of course, we have to go out

to buy one for that person;

as we gaze at the outside lights

that have been hung and arranged

(so lovingly, so carefully),

a strand goes out,

and so another trip to the store;

we know the way to the malls so well

we could drive there with our eyes closed

(and probably do sometimes!);

the path to the post office is well worn

from all the trips to mail parcels,

to get more stamps.

Christmas Day draws nearer and nearer

and the activity level increases

(as does our stress);

the days grow shorter and shorter

(since we obviously don't have

enough hours in each one

to get everything done!).

so frayed, so frazzled,

so harried, so hassled,

we might not hear the voice

calling to us:

'prepare the way, the Lord is coming!

his path will lead you

straight

to the kingdom.'

open our ears, Lord, open our ears.

(c) Thom M. Shuman