All I Want For Christmas Is...

Peace in the valley. Oh, wait. That's what I'd tell my kids when they were growing up when "gift-giving-time-to-Mama" rolled around. (Yes, I know "kids" are baby goats. I'm aware of my vocabulary).

Now that they've both grown and left the nest, I have gotten peace in the valley. Way too much peace. Be careful what you wish for as you just might get it one day.

On the other hand, wouldn't it be nice to get "way too much" of some of the things we wish for?

In that vein:

I wish for money for cancer research. All research. All cancers. And for melanoma, just once, to stand out in a crowded field. Oh, wouldn't it be glorious to have way too much money going to something we all benefit from one way or another? For those who do shop for me, consider making a gift to the cancer research of your choice. It's all connected.

I wish for people to have enough to eat and solid shelter over their head. Oh, wouldn't it be wonderful if way too much food was being put in the mouths of the hungry worldwide and there were no more starving children commercials on TV because there were no more starving children? Or elderly; they have hunger issues, too. And wouldn't it be spectacular if there were no more homeless people because there was way too much affordable housing and help for people who need shelter?  For those who do shop for me, consider taking food to a family you know of, even if you don't know them personally, and feed them. Or, give to Habitat for Humanity. I have food and shelter; many are without.

I wish for people to have way too much common sense and not do stupid stuff like text while driving or talk on the cell phone while driving. Or let emotions give way to road rage. Or drink and get behind the wheel. Or do any number of things that put other people in danger and at risk because they "think I can handle it," or because "I do it all the time and nothing ever happens," or because "it's pretty much all about me and what I want to do right now". For those who do shop for me, consider putting the phone down, thinking about others you share the road and world with, and using your brain. I want you, and me, to live to see another gift-giving occasion.

I wish for people to have way too many books and educational advantages and opportunities. I wish literacy was way too valued by everyone and all parents. I wish way too many children had the best schools and brilliant teachers. I wish way too many schools had plenty of money to provide new books and technology to every student. I wish there were way too many resources available for each school district.  I wish there were way too many children getting diplomas at all levels of education. I wish there were way too many children not left behind. For those who do shop for me, consider what God has put in your arsenal to help a child or a school have more of what they need to make the most of the abilities God has blessed them with. A book. A computer. Your tutoring skills. Your prayers.

And I do still wish for peace in the valley, but my idea of "valley" is now global instead of just "my own home." Oh wouldn't it be absolutely amazing and astounding if there was way too much peace in our world? If all families loved each other and took care of each other and there was no more abuse of any kind? If all citizens of all towns could keep their doors unlocked and trusted their fellow man because they knew they weren't going to be the next victim mentioned on the nightly news? If all countries could decide that life is a precious gift, even yours and even mine. For those who do shop for me, consider how you can work for peace and be that blessed peacemaker. Matthew 5: 9 says, "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God." If you are blessed then I'll be blessed.


I suppose that's a long enough list for Santa to tackle. Lucky for me I've been pretty good this year. All I want for Christmas is...


way too much...


For those who do shop for me...


Here's my list...


Make me grateful.