What do you really want?

I have a little notebook. One page says “to do” the other says “to buy”. Surely the person who created it had December in mind. If only they’d made it bigger!

With the season of giving, comes the season of asking, and wish lists that hang on my fridge. My kids make a list, and check it twice, just like someone else I know. With each passing day they remember one more thing to squeeze in at the bottom of the page. And the fridge, that’s the best place to keep it. Never out of sight. Never out of mind.

This year I’m adding my own list to the pile. To do, to buy, to ask.

See, Christmas is really no different for God. His season of giving is eternal. And as I hustle and bustle and worry and wonder, I realize God wants to give me a lot more than booties this year.

The Bible tells of the richest man of his time. King Solomon, son of David, world renown for his wealth and wisdom. But long before Solomon sat in splendor, he stood scared.

Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.” 1 Kings 3:7 (NIV)

Solomon surveyed the work required of him and trembled. How can I do this? Ever felt that way? What Solomon did next seems so simple, yet opened the door for unthinkable blessing.

He asked – not for helpers to do the job for him, or a way out of the call to lead the kingdom. With a humble heart he boldly begged for wisdom.

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 1 Kings 3:9 (NIV)

God gave Solomon, not only what he asked for, but also what he did not ask for – wealth, honor and long life so as Solomon walked in obedience to Him.

Confession: I never intended to be a mother of six. I never intended to homeschool. I had plans.

If I followed my path, you’d be watching me on the sideline of Monday night football games. As a journalism major who enjoyed sports (and found the news too depressing), I set my course ESPN-bound. Then God crossed my path with a tall, handsome guy named Luke who swept me off my feet. We married and multiplied and, well, the rest is history. From reporter to referee, career to caravan, self-serving to serving seven (6 kids + Luke). I had (and still have) a lot to learn.

Many a days I have thought, I can’t handle this. But God put me here, so what can I do? Ask.

Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 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!” Matthew 7:9-11 (NIV)

So this year, make a list of your own, and ask for what you really want.

Dear God, Instead of ….

A new dress – What I really want is confidence to be the girl you formed and called your workmanship.

Obedient children – What I really want is wisdom to instruct them in your ways.

More time – What I really want is the patience to trust your timing.

I’m making my list and will likely add to it as the days rush out of sight. And I’ll hang my list for all to see so I know what I hope for and Who I hope in. And when I wake every morning to find my gifts dropped from heaven, I’ll smile at my God whose mercies are new every morning, not just Christmas morning.

 

What’s on your list? Leave a Comment!