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As a little girl, I remember standing in line to see the big man dressed in red. He was larger than life and more jovial than most – and for good reason. He made everyone’s wishes come true. Ah, childhood.

Let’s face it. My climb on to Santa’s lap was done so with one mission in mind: To present him with “the” list — my list of wants, wishes, and desires. That’s all there was to it! A little exertion on my part, a quick rundown of my list, a cherry lollipop in hand, and I was on my way. All was right with the world.

I thought those days were behind me… until this past week, when I became all too aware of how many of my prayers began with:

“Show me…”
“Reveal to me…”
“Please heal…”
“Lord, bless…”

I had unknowingly traded a place at my Father’s feet for a place on “Santa’s” lap.

Granted, Jesus tells us throughout the New Testament to ask — there’s nothing wrong with asking. However, I would suggest that there is something very wrong in approaching our holy God much in the same way we once approached a minimum-wage ordinary man dressed up in a costume (and usually with a fake-o beard): a moment with Him, followed by a quick rundown of all our wants/desires, an expeditious departure from His presence, and a warm fuzzy feeling to boot (after all, we’re adults, who needs lollipops?).

I am resolved to never trading in a place at my Father’s feet again. Though warm fuzzy feelings are never a guarantee, the true presence of a holy, loving, forgiving and merciful Father is — and that’s more than this daughter of the King could ever ask for or imagine.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33

Merry Christmas to all!

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