Thursday, December 13, 2007

Wanting It ALL

Wanting It ALL

“I want Santa to bring me ALL of the Thomas Train toys.” This is what our three year old has been telling us every day for the last three weeks.

He is very concerned that Santa is going to bring the wrong toy or not enough of what he thinks will make him happy. He has also kindly expressed to us that he would like ALL of the Gameboy games, ALL of the Leapster games, and ALL of the Lightning McQueen toys.

At first, we thought it was cute. However, a couple of nights ago, my husband and I realized that our little man was serious. He really thinks Santa is bringing him ALL of the toys that he has requested, even though we have tried explaining to him that that this would be very difficult (not to mention very costly for “Santa” J).

So, I sat him down to talk to him about the reality of what he would find under that tree in a couple of weeks. As he looked up at me with those big blue eyes, I explained that Christmas was not about what we receive but what we give. I also explained that “Santa” would be bringing some gifts for him but that it just wasn’t possible for him to receive EVERYTHING on his list. I told him that “Santa” knows what he needs and what he will really enjoy. I explained that he will receive some of what he has asked for but if he got everything on his list, he would have nothing to look forward to later in the year.

As I finished up our little talk, I braced myself for his questions, tears, or maybe even a fit. But when we were finished talking, he simply jumped off the bed and said, “Mom, can you just tell Santa to make sure he brings the other things next Christmas?”

I couldn’t help but realize that God was teaching me a huge lesson in contentment.

Psalm 107:9 says, “He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”

How often have you requested something from God and then reacted in disappointment or even anger when your request was not satisfied? I know that I have made requests like our son’s many times. And the Father has often not fulfilled my requests in the way I would have liked. However, somehow, his plan and way of doing things always seems to work out better than mine. He knows what I need and when I need it.

It is so hard in today's society to restrain from wanting and sometimes getting everything that we desire. We have access to credit, loans, instant cash...We can obtain what we want, when we want it. But God says that HE satisfies us and fills us with good things. In other words, we should not need the things of this world to bring happiness but instead should just be thirsty and hungry for more of Him in our lives.

Just like I explained to my little man, if God gave us everything that we wanted, we would have nothing to look forward to. He knows what is best for us and what will bring us joy. He longs to give us the desires of our heart but that means that we must be patient and understanding with His will for our lives.

Remember that this Christmas as you shuffle around buying last minute gifts, trying to satisfy everyone on your list. Remember that Christmas is not simply about what we give and receive but a time to reflect on best thing of all, Jesus Christ. Allow Him to bring you happiness and joy this season. Be content in knowing that God has given us the best gift we could possibly receive when he gave us his Son, Jesus Christ on that amazing night in Bethlehem.

Some Things to Think About:

1) Are you content or are you always trying to find ways to experience contentment?
2) Do you allow God to fill you up with good things?
3) Do you believe that your Father in Heaven knows what is best for you and has amazing plans for your life?

Words of Worth:

“He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:9

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

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