Prepping for the Holidays

(Pro 17:1 KJV)  Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

As I began reading this chapter the word “better” (2896a) stood out to me.  I remembered that the formula in this verse had been repeated recently and when I looked I found this concept to be regular.  Things are better when we put things in priority based on God’s standards.  So often we look at the expectations of our friends, neighbors and family.  It gets us off track because in the heat of the moment we forget that the God who made us knows what is best for us.  When we get to church and face the same misguided priorities it is even harder to take.  

The point here is avoiding the clamor of a large group.  I have less trouble with this than some because I am by nature an introvert.  Some people who are social animals might prefer the big family gathering or a church pot luck.  I guess in defense of them it would be good to point out that the contrast is not reading a good book and a festival of joy but the danger of thinking the trade off of conflict with being out of the house is a loss.

So?  If you are home by yourself, relax and rejoice.  Thanksgiving is coming.  If you are away from family then focus on the blessings of God and not the absence of friends.  If you are blessed with a big gathering then be a peacemaker and oil on the waters.