Advent is a time of preparation and waiting.  We prepare for the holidays and the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.  Being a "Martha to the Max" [borrowing the title of the book by Debi Stack], this would normally be a very busy time for me, decorating my home for the holidays, preparing food for guests, entertaining, shopping, wrapping gifts, sending cards, all those things which we do in anticipation of Christmas Day and to celebrate the season.

However, this year has been somewhat different. I had surgery on December 8, 2010 to correct a detached retina. This "Martha" was forced to exist in a "Mary" world. I have had to lie face down for hours and hours each day. Needless to say, this has not been an easy thing to do for one who is used to being busy every minute of the day.

I've not been able to do all the things I would normally do this time of year. I've had to rely on others to do it for me; shopping, cooking, cleaning, wrapping presents and anything else that needed to be done has been taken care of by people who love me. I wonder if this was what Jesus was talking about in Luke 10:40-42 when he says "But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." "But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."

Was the "better part" more about the relationship than to to-do list? I believe it's all about the relationship, relationships with family and friends and with you members of APA. We are like a big family, sharing concerns and joys, ideas and looking out for each other, lifting up one another when we are down. I thank God for my relationships, especially with you, the members of APA.

As we anticipate the celebration the birth of our Lord, may your focus be on your relationships with your family, your friends and your love for one another and not on the "to-do" list. May you have a wonderful and joyous Christmas!

Peace,

Freda Dye

APA National President

Reflection: If you want me to do this work, give me the strength to do it. I will not shrink from anything, but to do this work well, love is needed.                                                        Catherine of Genoa, 1447-1510