Cache' Connections Grown Up Christmas List

Most of you have probably heard the popular Christmas carol, "Grown Up Christmas List," composed by David Foster and Linda Thompson-Jenner. Click here to listen. "No more lives torn apart, and wars would never start, and time would heal all hearts. Everyone would have a friend, and right would always win, and love would never end." Such lofty wishes! Perhaps we all guffawed a bit as youngsters - my family moans when I get the Amy Grant Christmas tape out each year. And while it is surely a noble list, many of us weren't quite ready to trade in our well-tended Christmas wish lists.

Speaking for Kim and myself, as we've (eghem) lived, grown and matured as women, mothers and Christ-followers, we're ready to concede that our wish list does in fact now reflect such grandiose ideas. Looking back, I see that in my 20's and 30's I was more about the "things" of this world: wearing the right clothes, having the best toys and opportunities for my kids, the right house with the right furniture and decorations, a car that was comparable to my friends' and neighbors', and on and on.

Now - frankly - I think I'm sort of turning into my mother, who never was one for a lot of stuff (much to my childhood chagrin.) Having survived The Depression as the child of a single mother, she never was afforded the luxury of shopping and keeping up with the Jones's. And as the mother of six children, that was never even a remote possibility. She learned to make do, settle, stretch, and be thankful for what she did have. Looking back, I am forever grateful for the great job my parents did with us kids, and can now recognize the great sacrifices they made to give my siblings and me a better life. (Thanks Mom and Dad!)

These two "foolish for Christ" followers did the almost unthinkable by starting a new business on the brink of an economic downward spiral. Leaving behind our comfortable, well-paying jobs and increasing our debt load tremendously, we were suddenly forced to live a simpler lifestyle. God has been teaching us how to be content in all circumstances, though I must confess there were many threats that I would be turned into a pillar of salt :)

So without further ado, here's our partial lofty grown-up Christmas list, which is very similar to our prayer list:

1. That marriage would be honored by all.
2. That singles desiring marriage would have this desire that God planted in their hearts fulfilled.
3. That singles who need emotional healing would do the hard work of seeking that out in order to be healthy mates.
4. That our members would open their hearts and minds and be able to recognize God's Mr./Ms. Right when he or she comes along.
5. That Cache' Connections would find favor with the Church, recognizing the unique issues of singles and their need for a connection point across the denominational lines.
6. Wisdom and discernment for ourselves, our members and our families in all decisions.
7. That Cache' Connections would continue to grow across the U.S. and make connections that are pleasing to God.
8. That our couples would continually strive to keep Christ in the center of their relationships.
9. God's blessings on all of our efforts.

We've seen our wishes come true to some extent and thank God for that. There's plenty of room for growth, and we serve a great big God, so we continue to hope and trust in the Lord that he will continue to "grant our wishes" as we humble ourselves before him (painful as it can sometimes be!)

Merry Christmas!
~Linda
Cache' Connections