I was a pretty obedient child but there is nothing like the anticipation of Santa’s arrival that can tempt even the most compliant child to push boundaries…
My grandparents were visiting from Illinois that Christmas and our house was all a-buzz with the fun that grandparents bring to an already fun-filled season! That particular Christmas Eve my parents had quite a time getting my brother and me to bed. We already watched A Charlie Brown Christmas with our tv dinners in the living room. We put the final sprinkles on the cookies for Santa and set them out on a special plate with a tall glass of milk. We had extra play time with Grandpa and cuddles with Grandma. And now it was time to go to bed. Truly. Now!
Prayers prayed, and all tucked in, we still weren’t ready to sleep. Well, at least, I wasn’t ready. While Mike snoozed away in our shared bedroom, I wondered what it was that adults did on Christmas Eve once the littles were sleeping. The laughter floating down the hall from the living room implied that they were having a great time! So, thrilled by the idea of discovery, I slipped out of bed and slinked down the hall, just out of sight. There I spied on my parents and grandparents – wrapping final gifts, watching tv, and simply enjoying a visit.
Overhearing my mom say, “I think I’ll check on the kids,” I bolted back down the hall and jumped into bed with my best possum impression. She fell for it! This little routine happened two more times – me becoming bolder with each trip down the hall, until….I saw them – all of them – EATING SANTA’S COOKIES!!
Well, there is nothing like seeing the four most-trusted adults in your life eating Santa’s cookies to embolden a child. My very sudden appearance in the living room, filled with defiance and disbelief, created quite a stir. “Why are you eating Santa’s cookies?! And you drank his milk too? We made those just for HIM!” Bits of cookie and sprays of milk filled the air with my shocked accusations. A chorus of promises to replace what they had eaten and apologies for their mistake quicky ensued. Until they remembered that they were the adults in the room, not me! With my grandparents’ stifled snickers and giggles in the background, my mom chided me (with a half-grin on her own face) and ushered me back to the bedroom – reminding me that Christmas Eve was no time to get my name moved to Santa’s naughty list by getting out of bed and spying on the adults! (Well played, Mom.)
As funny as this memory is to me now, it sure wasn’t funny at the time. I was aghast that they would dare to eat what we had prepared so lovingly for our midnight guest. It felt personal. Let me be clear, despite the giggles and snickers, my parents and grandparents were (nearly) as upset as I was. The idea that they had somehow broken trust with me was saddening – to all of us – despite the humorous conditions. But in the moment, it felt like something was stolen.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23
Have you ever felt that something was stolen from you? Recognition for a job well done, opportunity, a gift prepared for someone other than the one who received it? As children of the Most High, we submit all we are and all we have to His hands for His purposes and His glory. Nothing escapes His view or knowledge. While we have the immediate view of what is missing, He has the eternal view of what we are gaining from the experience. He brings good from bad, victory from trial, blessing from curses. We lack nothing! We can trust our faithful Father to lead us through every situation with grace, love, and provision. He is good. He is loving. He is faithful. And He wants you to remember….
You are adored.
You Are Adored 