Wednesday, December 4, 2013

The Wish List

The Wish List
Carol Condon
www.carolcondon.com


The smooth covers were creased, worn, and in some places even torn.  Markers of many colors left bold circles throughout the catalog with an initial added claiming each "wish circle" as their own.  As the mail carrier arrived each day during the Christmas season the kids eagerly waited to search through the wonderland of every toy company's advertisement of their weekly specials.

As parents we have all been guilty of reminding our children that they better be good. Christmas is just around the corner. We have even whispered, "You better watch out you, you better not cry, you better not pout……"  They quickly sober and go back to scouring the pictures of treasures that are only a store away.  The wish list has grown to quite the length by shopping day.  Even "things" containing heart beats have been added.  To the shock and amazement of parents there nestled among the toy train and dolly set the shocking wishes of a new puppy and baby sister.

Reminders have been given to children all over the world.  They go something like this, "Honey, you know we can't get you everything you wish for." "Mommy and Daddy do not own the bank." We have even handed them a blank piece of paper and told them, "Here, you need to start your wish list all over and be a little more reasonable."

As Christians we have the "Catalog" of all catalogs.  It arrived many, many years ago and the price is still current but has already been paid.  In the pages lay so many items just waiting to be circled, initialed and added to the "wish list."

There are so many sections.  You need comfort? Psalm 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
You need strength? Isaiah 40:29 "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength."
Has grief overtaken you? Isaiah 25:8 "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces."
Do you struggle with fear? How about this "item" Isaiah 41:13 For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee."
Are your cupboards bare? No worries, Matthew 6:31,32 "Therefore take no thought saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink: or Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." Do you feel lost? Easy directions, Proverbs 3:6 "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Need salvation Acts 2:39 " For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
Need joy?  He has that in stock! Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life; in thy presence is fulness of joy; at they right hand there are pleasure for evermore."  Are you lonely?  He is there for you. Isaiah 58:9 "Then shalt thou call, and he shall say, Here I am."

Why do we live without when He has a full inventory that is paid for and just waiting to be picked up? Take out your marker today and begin circling His promises.  Make your wish list.  I promise you that He won't be out of stock.  There is nothing too expensive and He will never throw your wishes away and tell you to start over.  He won't even make you wait until December 25 to open them!