What do you want for Christmas? I’ve probably posed that question to every child I know and I’ve been asked it by several friends and family members. It’s the, “Hi, how are you?” of the season.
So how does one answer such a question? Kids are great–they want real baby dragons, and red hair ribbons, and dogs with puppies (actual answers from this year). And when I was younger, it was easy. I wanted a particular toy or book or clothes or music or, well, there was always something I thought I couldn’t live without. Like that horse I never received. But these days . . .
The problem is, so many of my wants are met on a daily basis. I want a book by my favorite author. Downloaded on my Kindle in five minutes. I want a turtleneck sweater to go with my black pants. Ordered on-line in a twinkling. I want something special for dinner. Reservations made. I want . . . well, I hardly even think in terms of what I want. I’m blessed to have so much more than I need I barely have a chance to want for anything.
But maybe that’s because I’m limiting myself to what can be wrapped in paper and tucked under the tree. After all, what do I really want?
- I want my novels to reach lots of readers who will love them and beg for more. (My noble want is that the books will spread the Good News, but if I’m honest, I also just want lots of people to read and like them.)
- I want a hundred-year-old house on a sizable chunk of land where we can fix it up just the way we like and go for long walks without leaving our own property.
- I want to find the balance between working in a ministry that makes a difference in the world while still having plenty of time for my writing.
- I want to spend more time with my family and see my nieces and nephews grow up.
- I want a gas stove in my kitchen with unlimited free gas (this is a thing in WV).
- I want . . . well, ultimately I want what God wills for me, but sometimes I haven’t the foggiest what that is.
Maybe I need to get back in touch with that child who knew exactly what she wanted for Christmas–even if it was a baby dragon. And then I should ask for it. Because I don’t write letters to Santa Claus anymore. Instead, I lift petitions to God. And he loves to give good things to his children. I know because he told me so and because he’s already given me more than I ever thought to ask.
Matthew 7:11 – If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Interesting serendipity for me, because I made a wish on a shooting star last night, and that was to wish that me writing would reach others with a message of hope.
So I guess that is it for me.
When you can sum everything up in one wish, why not?
Connecting with the inner child is inspirational and a source of joy. It takes work for an adult to find that care free place. I think I’d like a purple dragon this year.
I’ll be sure to mention your purple dragon! Love it.
I think it’s so important to pause and acknowledge our biggest wants. It gives us the chance to truly recognize them and lay them at the Lord’s feet. Thanks for this reminder, Sarah.