My kids are busy making wish lists for Christmas. They started the list long ago – probably after walking down the toy aisle and declaring, “I want that.” And me, not wanting to say “yes” but not wanting to deal with the disappointment that comes from “no,” I probably said, “Put it on your wish list.” Now that we are within a few chocolates of Christmas on our advent calendar, I am reviewing their lists.
They are too long already, yet items seem to be added daily. My nine-year-old’s list starts with Pokemon and Legos and goes all the way to Minecraft handbooks and a bike. Ninja Turtle action figures, roller skates, and K’nex are on my five-year-old’s list. Thankfully, my 18-month-old doesn’t make lists yet and doesn’t care about the contents of packages. I got him a few small gifts, but I know that he will appreciate more the ribbons and bows, the crinkling of the wrapping paper, the shiny tags, and the boxes to stack and knock over.
My wish list is short because the things I want most are things that money can’t buy: healthy and grateful children, close relationships with my parents and siblings, quality time with my husband, and peace on earth. If you have a baby in the NICU right now, getting him or her healthy and home is probably at the top of your list while all the gifts and electronics and such seem so insignificant.
Here is my holiday wish for all of you – that you may hold close those people and principles that are most important to you. Enjoy what you have but more importantly who you have.
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