This year is not something I want to repeat. But there are nuggets I’d be glad to treasure each day.
As a nation and a world, we’ve seen horrible violence, natural disasters, and untold heartache. It makes me ache for those days when right and wrong seemed a little more black and white. So today, I present my grown up list for Christmas. Maybe it is similar to yours, maybe not. But instead of wishing for it, I pray for these things.
1. Families to be reunited with loved ones they haven’t seen in a long time.
2. Healing and understanding among family members– that the long list of wrongs against them would be replaced with gratitude for second chances.
3. For homes– true homes– for those who have none.
4. For mercy and grace to rule where tyrants and bullies once ruled.
5. For those who believe the lie that they have no worth or value. You do. God has a purpose for you and only you. Discover it.
6. For those who don’t know how special they are to those around them, to finally hear with open ears and minds what a blessing they have been.
7. For my sons to grow up with a heart for those who still need to know the redemptive power of the Cross.
8. For the opportunities to pay forward the amazing blessings my family has received over the years.
9. For wisdom to fill those who have authority and power over others and for the wisdom to be applied with honor and dignity to those who serve under them.
10. For my heart to grow –just like the Grinch’s heart– to make more room for those who need to know they are precious, and prized, and valued, and loved, and treasured above all things.
Wishing you and yours a blessed CHRISTMAS.
