My Christmas List

 

  Do you remember writing Christmas wish lists as a kid? In your neatest handwriting, you painstakingly wrote that perfect list of things you longed for that year.

 

It's surprising how the lists change as the years go by.

 

The older I get, the fewer things I put on my Christmas list. As I grow older, my Christmas list gets shorter because the things I want most can't be bought. In fact, the things I wish for aren't things at all. Maybe that's why Amy Grant's song "My Grown Up Christmas List" resonated with me and so many other people this year.

 

If you are unfamiliar with the song, here are a few of the lyrics:

 

"No more lives torn apart,

That wars would never start,

And time would heal all hearts,

And everyone would have a friend,

And right would always win,

And love would never end,

This is my grown-up Christmas wish".

 

Too often, we are caught up with wishing for material things in life. Christmas is not JUST about gifts and "getting". It's about a whole lot more than that! It's about things that are important...things like time, memories and experiences. Those are what people want most.

 

Wouldn't it be great if we could make those three wishes last all year? I believe we can!

 

We can make time to do something with a family member or a friend...lunch, a cup of coffee, an ice cream cone. How about taking in a movie or a walk in the park this summer or delivering a batch of cookies to someone who may need a friend.

Spending time making memories could be carried out as a year long wish. Take a picture or two to remember the day, the moment, the fun. Make that memory! 

 Give someone the things they desire the very most...your time, good memories, and fun experiences. It would be time and energy well spent and your family member, friend, or acquaintance would be thrilled. And it would be so rewarding for you too!

Now that the holidays have come and gone, I have had time to reflect on this special season. I really love the Christmas songs, the lights, decorations, and the tree, but most of all, I treasure the time spent with family and friends, the memories made, and the shared experiences.

Now my challenge is to make these three wishes last all year long!