Hello Blogging Community.
My name is Jeff Manning. And yes, I'm a pathetically inconsistent blogger. By my own admission, I'm on the road to recovery. Thank you for your patience.
Just got in a little while ago from my first Christmas party. It was a great time at my brother's house. Their was lots of food, laughs, and gift-giving to go around. It's always awesome when you make your mom cry about a gift ;) People were getting excited and much appreciation was shown EVEN though we were having a "Chinese Christmas". I walked away with movie tickets ("Day the Earth Stood Still", here I come!). My boys, as well as every other 6 year old in the nation, get pretty pumped. They will let you know what they want and Santa does his best to make this happen when possible. Bunk Beds and Batman were their request. Because of God's blessing, we are making it happen for them.
My little girl on the other hand is another story. Carrigan is almost 2. She's just getting this year what presents are about, who Santa Clause (Tana Clause as she says it), and OH HOW SHE LOVES THE LIGHTS. One of my highlights is when I began to try to get her to like Santa. Initially, she was freaked completely out by him. Now, she's just VERY cautious. I let her know how "Santa Clause was coming to town". She loves the Chipmunks rendition. I even got her to watch Mariah Carey's version today on You-Tube. To say the least, her 23 month old brain has a concept that Saint Nick is on his way. When I ask her, "What is Santa Clause going to bring you?", she responds back, "SUCKERS!"
What? Are you for real? Are you kidding me? They boys want BUNK BEDS $$$ and you want SUCKERS?
Such a simple request. And for real folks, that's ALL she is asking for. Anytime and every time you ask, it's "suckers". She has a dum-dum fetish. Loves them. Adores them. Almost on the verge of idol worship. Just like my sons, I would get her the best gifts within my power. I mean, I'm not Bill Gates or C.C. Sabathia, but I can do better than a bag of Lilla-pops! But her innocence would be satisfied with the least of these.
Oh, she'll have a very nice Christmas for a youngster that will NEVER remember Dec. 25th, 2008. She has a bag of suckers ready to go into her stocking. She has asked her dad, uh, I mean Santa, for something small. She doesn't even have a clue that Santa can provide so much more. But Santa loves her SO much, that he has made sure that the Elmo Kitchen, Elmo doll, and a Pink Recliner will be waiting under the tree. :)
What if just for a moment, I could be like Carrigan and quit asking God (out of selfish motives) for the big-ticket items. What if I just started seeking FIRST the Kingdom of God? He'll add all the other stuff He thinks I need. What if in sincerity, I just began asking God for Suckers this upcoming year? Dad, Your the provider. Your the one that's always there to hug me, feed me, kiss me, wash me, hold me, and listen to me. I don't want to ask for just STUFF. I want to be like that child and just enjoy the simple things of life.
I have a feeling there would be a lot more than what we could ask/think. Not under a tree but because of a tree.
Dum-Dum,
jEFF m
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