Keep On Believing

  Five 4 days before Christmas!  I vividly remember as a child that I was already completely beside myself 5 days out.  I'd find myself thinking about, "This time next week...."  I took a lot for granted as children do, so even though I knew the week would be a family cocoon full of cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandmothers, I took that for granted.  I knew there would be divinity and fudge and Japanese Fruit Cake and Lemon Cheese Cake and Caramel Cake but I took that for granted too.

But I never took Santa for granted.  I knew he would come to my house and I knew he would change my life the instant he unloaded his bag  Even though there was no chimney, I knew he would be there because we left the door open for him to come in. My child's brain just knew I would be content for the rest of my life, no matter what, if Santa brought me a new doll.  I had complete faith she would be waiting for me when I got up Christmas morning.  And I was never disappointed.

Can your heart's desire be wrapped in a box? 

There was only one Christmas when my faith wavered.  It was the first year I no longer believed.  I didn't want to get out of bed because I didn't want to be disappointed.  My dad had to cajole me to join them and, in an instant, my fears of possible disappointment were relieved.

I love that child-like faith. I love believing so strongly that you just cannot wait to see it come into fruition because you know it will.  Where is your belief today?  What evokes your faith so strongly that there is virtually no doubt?  I don't think I'll share mine but, believe me, it is still there.  My list doesn't contain a new doll or a bicycle; it contains my heart's desires.  I have a lifetime for them to come true and I know they will!

May your faith hold strong and your joy soar beyond measure this Christmas. Keep believing.