Guest Post by Angela Bickford
Angela owns always B designs, a custom stationery and gifts boutique, and also works as the Staff Development Manager for Mommy Bag Marketing, Inc. She is a published author, has edited four books for other authors, and is a social media advocate. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook. www.alwaysbdesigns.com
Christmas Wishes
Each year, my mother-in-law has us write a Christmas list for her full of things we really want to receive. This year, as I was writing my list, I found myself wishing for things I knew she couldn’t give me…
- 20 pounds magically gone
- A baby (we’ve been struggling)
- The ability to get more done
- More income from my work-at-home jobs
These are surely things we’ve all wished for at one time or another – things that our earthly friends can’t give us, no matter how hard they try. The holidays can be an especially difficult time for people who are struggling with wishes that haven’t come true, prayers that haven’t been answered.
The truth of the matter is, there’s a reason why those wishes haven’t come true. In the bible it says, “to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Eccl 3:1) God is working on wrapping up the perfect scenario just for me. He makes us wait for His timing, His reasoning, and His way because only He knows what we need.
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive
mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Heb 4:16 NIV
In the meantime, what if we focused on cultivating a thankful spirit? What if we changed our way of thinking from I don’t have to I do have?
I might not have any children of my own yet, but I have several in the family that I can give my love to now. I don’t make as much money as I’d like to, but I am blessed to be able to work from home – or to have a job at all.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thes. 5:16-18 NIV
Try it – you’ll be amazed at how quickly your attitude will shift and your heart will fill. And, then, keep praying. God’s listening – he’s just waiting for the perfect time to give you His gifts.
