#SheWishes

#WishList

3 John 1:2 (King James Bible)

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

John 15:7 (New American Standard Bible)

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

There are many folks out and about, hustling and bustling, web surfing, catalogue browsing... to find that perfect wish list item for their loved ones.  We all fall into the wave of shoppers, whether we begin in July, October... or wait for this last week leading up to the "big day". 

For some, a gift is as simple as a tin of cookies, baked fresh from the oven, delivered to the door of a neighbor. For others, it's placing a gift card into an envelope and placing in the mailbox with his or her mail carrier's name on it.  Some go even further to donate their time and resources to local shelters and food banks... giving of themselves, knowing that many are so unfortunate at this time of year... "Kris Kringle" doesn't pass by his or her "tree"... because there may not be one... there may not even be a home or a fireplace for good old "Saint Nicholas" to surreptitiously enter to grant wishes.

These and other thoughts about wishes, gifts, and "Santa" have been dancing in my head like sugar plums of the wonderful Christmas tale that many of us grew up on. However, the reality is that many of our brothers and sisters do not experience having their wish list checked off on Christmas Day... or any other day for that matter.  I'd like to think that we all live in a beautiful world where we all "pay it forward"... we reach out and touch, we help our brothers and sisters out, allowing for a smile... but some do not meet the mark. Most of us carry on in our own private lives selfishly... getting, getting and getting... not serving, giving, and helping.  I was touched when my daughter begged to find someone somewhere to help during this holiday season. She touched our hearts so, that we began to search the area for shelters and services.  I feel in my heart that she knows the plight of some, and her wish is to help others.  I thank God for such a compassionate child.

So, when you are summing up your wish list, checking twice the list of your child, husband, wife,  and loved ones... remember to be thankful that there's a wish to be granted. Whether you are on the receiving end, or otherwise... could you possibly remember that long ago there was a wish that all men might be saved, and be given a chance at life in abundance? That abundant life didn't/doesn't mean a life filled with Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Chanel, Celine, Valentino, Hermes, Goyard, Louis Vuitton or Gucci. Nor does the abundant life necessarily mean life without stress, heartache, sickness or pain.  The abundant life-wish from our God through our Savior, Jesus Christ is one that has given us the opportunity to live with Peace, Love and Joy each day, knowing that we have a place with God if we live according to His Word... not just on one day that is so commercialized that I don't even seriously count it as a Christian holiday anymore. What I do count it as a time to pray, follow peace with all men and women whom I love and don't know (to love) but try to find love in my heart for all.  We are flawed, but there is a wish that settles upon our souls that we all find the way to redemption, that we all find the road to love unconditionally and to serve others.  I know that I have not met that mark 100% daily, but I do find that in my heart, there is a willingness, and if we act upon that... soon it will emanate through us into the hearts of others...causing wishes to become a reality and not just something we ponder within.

Peace and Blessings to all, may the God of our Salvation rest within your hearts at Christmas and all the New Year through.

~LaShawna