Tuesday, December 1, 1998
Tuesday, December 1, 1998
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
I remember a story of a college freshman who decided it was about time she
experienced her first college date. Her roommate, who was a senior, asked whether
she preferred Southern boys or Northern boys. Since she was from South Dakota
she was unaware of such nuances in the male gender and asked what the difference
was.
Her roommate answered, "Southern boys are more romantic. They will take you
walking in the moonlight and whisper sweet nothings in your ear. Northern boys are
more active. They like to go places and do exciting things."
The girl pondered the contrast and then asked wistfully, "Could you please find me
a Southern boy from as far North as possible?"
This story suggests an expectation we often have when we have to make a decision
in our life. We love to have the best of both worlds. We love to have our cake and
eat it too. However, I think we know that when we are forced to choose which
direction we will take in life it frequently involves lots of challenges. It is rarely the
best of both worlds. We have some tough decisions to make this Christmas too.
"What do you want for Christmas?" That is a question we often hear during this time
of the year. But the question I want to ask is "What do you need for Christmas?"
Prayer: God of peace, give me what I really need for Christmas. Amen.
Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA
(Matthew 6:8
NRSV)