This weekend, right after Thanksgiving break, I found myself back at home in Monett. This time, however, I wasn't in town for family festivities or for the pie. I was in town to judge at the speech and debate tournament Monett hosts every year.
It's an unwritten rule that alumni come back ever so often and judge; seeing as I missed last year, I had to go this year.
Judging in and of itself should not necessarily be fun. It consists of sitting still, listening to people argue over obscure points, such as whether or not Egypt is considered in the Middle East and watching poorly written monologues about "Life on the Street: Sesame Street" and "Removing the Hat". When it's described like that, it sounds awful.
But then you get that one good debate round, where you can tell this team has put in so much time and effort into building a solid case, that one performance that has you gasping for air because you are laughing that hard, and it suddenly seems worth it.
Being prepared and ready to do whatever it is you're setting out to do makes a huge difference. A little forewarning, and smart use of time can lead to something amazing.
In a round of Public Forum debate, teams are allocated two minutes each for "prep time" during which they can prepare their next speech or create a plan with their partners. Those two minutes can make all the difference in the world; they can be the difference between a win and a loss.
What can you do with two minutes of "prep time"?
It's the Advent season, from now until December 24th, giving us all plenty of forewarning of what is about to happen. We have four weeks to be ready to welcome Jesus into our homes. He isn't an unexpected guest, or that rude visitor that didn't call ahead. We are all very much aware that Jesus is about to be born.
This Advent, spend your time well; say the Rosary each night, make some extra time to say morning prayer, volunteer, and be more loving to those around us. This time of year can really be the "most wonderful time", but only if we make it. The only way we can really do that though, is by preparing for what and who is about to come.
Happy Advent and good luck; don't forget to light your first candle.
Totus Tuus,
LeAnn
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