| When Robert Louis Stevenson penned these | | | | quiet and peaceful and seems easier. The gift for |
| words, he gave the world a complete menu for a | | | | the king is still not tallied; no one is sure of what |
| positive attitude through life. "The world is so full | | | | to buy. Would a new shirt, a tie, with socks to |
| of a number of things I'm sure we should all be as | | | | match, or a whole new outfit be a proud |
| happy as kings". What would a king desire, more | | | | affirmation of Dad? Socks are always reliable as a |
| than his kingdom? What secret wish would he | | | | gift for Father, for he understands the difficult |
| need or want? | | | | part of choosing a gift and he appreciates our |
| A Father knows the needs of his children, as he | | | | love and effort. He receives all of our gifts with a |
| provides for them. His treasured secrets are for | | | | grateful heart. |
| his wife and children, the kingdom of his heart. | | | | Does Father enjoy sports? Golf or hunting, or |
| What does he want for Christmas for himself? | | | | travel? Consider what he most needs for his |
| What special present would best fulfill his dreams? | | | | favorite hobby. At this time of year, the South |
| The Christmas list, Dad's secret wishes, must be | | | | Dakota scene includes new togs for pheasant |
| deciphered with careful scrutiny by members of | | | | hunting. A hunter can always use a new outfit so |
| the kingdom. What does Father want for | | | | he will be warm and dry. A gift of the new gun |
| Christmas? Often Dad does not present his wants | | | | he has been wanting will bring added excitement |
| and needs in a neat little package we call a | | | | to his hunting experiences. |
| Christmas list. | | | | Every Dad appreciates a gift that is handmade |
| He keeps them secret in his heart. The secret of | | | | for him. A Father can see the depth of love in |
| love that Christmas brings is a gift that we who | | | | such a gift. It is a gift that cannot be measured in |
| learn to give a piece of our heart away will | | | | dollars and cents. The thought and effort of an |
| understand the needs of others. It is difficult to | | | | original creation is a reflection of the heart. It is no |
| know what someone else wants for Christmas as | | | | secret. This gift is custom made, given with |
| the secret wish list is often tucked away. | | | | special love. |
| Nevertheless, there is a window in each heart. | | | | How will we know when Father's secret wish list |
| Often we look through the glass and decide for | | | | is complete? When we thought we had found his |
| ourselves what is inside, but in the clear darkness | | | | secret wants and needs, we hastened to gift him |
| we never really know. | | | | with what we thought was best for him. What if |
| Everyone in the kingdom looks to the best for | | | | his secret wish list is really acceptance and |
| Christmas. The king is open to listening and life is | | | | appreciation of whatever gifts he receives? |