What Do You Want for Christmas?

This is the question that almost all of us ask over and over. We want to make sure that if a gift is going from us to someone else, it is what they want or at least what we think is the right thing for them. My bride finally gave me a short list yesterday. I will begin thinking about where to get one or more of the items on the list, and desperately attempt to think of something on my own. Then, I will get up on the 24th and start shopping only to find that there are no more of those available, or it will take until February to get one, or the price as skyrocketed so that only a very rich man can afford one. I don’t know why this time of the year is so frustrating for me.

So far only one person has asked me what I want for Christmas. Yep, my sweet bride. I know she knows better than me what is best, so I just said, “I don’t know, you choose something I need (which is nothing).

The truth is, there is something I want.  I want a “do-over.” I want to llove my parents better than I did, work more diligently than I did regarding my education, been a better friend to people throughout my years, and practiced absolute obedience to God in my walk through this life. I would like another opportunity to have been a better husband, father, Pastor. . .and man. The Truth is there are no “do-overs.” What there “IS” is another day. Maybe more than a few. The failures of the past can never be repaired. The possibilities of the future are rich with opportunity. One thing for sure, and it’s true for ALL of  us – never focus on the  past, rather, along with Paul the Apostle – “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

Now that is what I really want. . .