I Believe

At Christmastime, there are always discussions with children about believing in Santa Claus and the excitement of little voices when they talk to you about him. I don’t remember the exact moment when I learned that Santa Claus was played by mom and dad, but I do know for a fact that it was my big sister who ruined it for me. Thanks Amy! I believe that it’s good for children to believe in Santa Claus, as it makes the holiday more magical, at an age where their young, precious minds probably cannot comprehend the true meaning of Christmas. And who doesn’t need a little magic in their lives?

So, I digress now into what types of things that adults believe in. And it’s this sentimental, spiritual, heartwarming, magical time of year when I start thinking about all of the things that I believe in: the things that give me hope, joy, and promises for the future; the things that make me tick and help me get through each day; the things that make me human, whether they be feelings, thoughts, or mistakes I’ve made. I believe in all of these things because they make me who I am and different from who you are. So what do I believe?

I believe that a smile can change the course of a day.
I believe that not everyone that comes into our lives is meant to stay.
I believe in love.
I believe that traveling the world gives me a much needed perspective on life.
I believe that more often than I’d like to admit, I wake up needing an attitude adjustment.
I believe that a good dose of coffee and dark chocolate can make the world a better place, even if just for a few minutes.
I believe that peace can be found in the midst of chaos if I look hard enough.
I believe in my girlfriends.
I believe in having a song that I can sing, in an instant, at the top of my lungs, and not be embarrassed.
I believe in crying when I need to.
I believe in second chances.
I believe in making charitable contributions.
I believe that there really are certain times of the month when women are more emotional. And that’s not even up for discussion.
I believe that a good book can remove me from reality and that sometimes I don’t want to come back.
I believe in having four seasons.
I believe in the healing power of a hug.
I believe in contributing my fair share to this world.
I believe that having crushes is healthy. It reminds me that I’m human.
I believe in riding really, really scary roller coasters, even when I think I’m too scared.
I believe that more often than not, I’m too prideful.
I believe that if you call someone and you want them to call you back, you need to leave a message.
I believe that having butterflies in my stomach is a fantastic feeling.
I believe in the joy of karaoke.
I believe that I really am impacted by the people around me.
I believe that I don’t do enough for others in this world, and that I need to change that.
I believe that grudges are powerful and painful.
I believe that it is too easy to become complacent in life, and that I need to fight it better.
I believe that experiencing other cultures allows me to better appreciate my own.
I believe that pets are good for my soul.
I believe in breaking the rules on occasion.
I believe that vacation days should never go unused.
I believe that life does not revolve around money or possessions.
I believe in spending time alone.
I believe that sometimes people are living the life they’ve always dreamed of, but just haven’t taken the time to notice.
I believe that life on a farm is refreshingly simple.
I believe that I do too many things in my life out of obligation.
I believe that small, sweet indulgences are a necessary splurge in life.
I believe that I could live anywhere in the world if I was surrounded by the people I love.
I believe in speed limits.
I believe in learning the language of the country in which you live, even if you don’t have to.
I believe that I need to exercise more.
I believe in the importance of self control.
I believe in always putting myself in the other person’s shoes.
I believe that I judge people too often and too quickly.
I believe that white twinkle lights make everything dreamy.

But mostly……
I believe that Christ died for me.
I believe that I have His grace, and that I certainly don’t deserve it.
I believe that only Jesus can teach me how to love the way I’m supposed to, and that I still have a lot to learn.
I believe that I am going to heaven to spend eternity with my Savior, and that I’m really, really going to like it there.
I believe that I don’t lean on me Savior nearly enough.
I believe in the power of prayer.
I believe that I am supposed to give my life away.
I believe that God has a plan for me.

So this Christmas season (at the risk of me sounding cheesy), as you are spending time with family and friends and watching “tiny tots with their eyes all aglow”, perhaps take a few moments or a few days and reflect on the things in life that give you hope, joy, and promises for the future; the things that make you tick and help you get through each day; the things that make you human, whether they be feelings, thoughts, or mistakes you’ve made. I know there are many more things on my list. And I'm curious, what do you believe?