"None of you is a believer until you love for your brother what you love for yourself" said the bearded gentleman in the long robe just as a segment on the news finished. I came into the room just then, I knew it was something about the Interfaith meeting between notables from various faiths called to discuss, pray about and hopefully put a stop to some of the racial/religious violence that is going on at the moment and of course I'd missed it and just come in to hear that enigmatic statement.

Don't you just hate that when you wait for a news item, and just before it comes on is when someone calls you on the phone or you go off to put the kettle on or turn the chicken? There are so many minor frustrations in life no wonder we never have any time for the real issues.

I had visitors today and in the course of their three hour visit had three phone calls, all three were to wish us all the best for Chritstmas, each one got my attention for fifteen minutes after which I said:"I've actually got visitors so I must go, it's been lovely catching up with you again" and it had in all three cases. But so frustrating as I could have spoken for at least an hour to each of these lovely friends who had taken the time to call me.

Next week I have enough appointments, engagements and meetings to take a reasonable person two weeks at least to complete. But remember this is the Silly Season, that time of the year in Australia when we have to get it all "done by Christmas" and so everyone who needs a piece of you wants to call in, have you over, get a few friends together, or just plain, borrow you for a little while. WHY NOW? I want to cry, what about the rest of the year when I have nothing much to do? (just kidding) And why are all these invitations that I could savour, one a week, or one a month, scrunched together all in the same WEEK!!!

So what is this blog all about? Timing. "Where were you when Kennedy was assassinated?" was one of the questions used at a seminar I once went to. Some of us knew, some didn't. "Where were you when we phoned?" ask a few of my friends. I don't know, just going about our normal routine is the answer.

That is why I am going to have for an epitaph on my headsone: "Life is what happens when you are busy making other plan" a quote from John Lennons song "Beautiful Boy". Because right now I am trapped in the Silly Season and can't get out.